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Follow on Google News | Gayle Cotton: The Importance of Cross Cultural Business CommunicationsBy: GOLDENROOM She readily credits and draws upon her internationalist family life for her success: ‘I was raised by a predominantly Swedish family in the United States and lived in Europe for several years early in my career.I ’m now married to a Frenchman and live in the United States. As a result, I’ve often been asked if I feel more European or American. My answer is that I feel Euro-American, a blend of both.’ These personal qualities translated effortlessly into a career with the United Nations beginning in 1989 teaching on her specialty subject, cultural science. Today as an internationally- An internationally recognized authority for her cross-cultural communication books and intercultural training, Gayle travels worldwide educating, entertaining, and inspiring audiences with her fresh and unique approach. This month author, speaker and trainer, Gayle Cotton shares with Goldenroom her own early experiences in cracking the cultural code and how to succeed in cross cultural business: The Importance of Cross-Cultural Business Communications By Gayle Cotton In today’s global business marketplace, the ability to communicate effectively multi-culturally cannot be underestimated. I found this out very quickly when I started teaching cross-cultural education (http://www.circlesofexcellence.com/ Common cross-cultural issues for business people developing relationships with cultures different from their own Not being proactive and adapting to different cultural business expectations. It’s all too easy to get off on the wrong foot and become reactive. Not understanding how formality, hierarchy and timing can affect business. These things have a tremendous impact on negotiations and decision-making. Being perceived as too aggressive or impatient in our business approach. Business often takes longer with different cultures and countries, so plan accordingly. Many cultures are more team focused or ‘we’ oriented. This can really impact our business style and marketing material. Avoid being egocentric or ‘I’ oriented. A big Taboo isunintentionally offending someone with our body language. This can be very difficult to recover from. A basic guideline is to use ‘opened handed’ gestures. Don’t point with your index finger, use the OK sign or thumbs up and thumbs down. How can you proactively prepare for multi-cultural business? Awareness is the 1st step! Observe how people communicate with you in person, on the phone and by email. Notice if they more formal and expressive or more direct and to the point. Know your facts. Be aware of relevant historical data, economic issues, major industries, cities and geography to name a few. There is nothing more embarrassing than not knowing your geography! Learn some cultural rapport skills about what is important. For example, when Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah visited President Bush at his Crawford ranch, they were photographed strolling hand in hand through the bluebonnets. This was an important sign of their friendship and trust. Sometimes, you need to go beyond your personal comfort zone! Keep in mind that we are homogenizing as a global culture, so with all we learn we can’t ever take cultural tendencies for granted. 5 Keys to successful cross-cultural communications for your business partnerships Be proactive. Initially focus on creating trustful partnerships not on the business at hand. Use some cultural rapport. Adapt your marketing material and business approach as needed. Organize productive interactions that insure a ‘win-win’ for all parties. Develop strategies for relationships and business cycles based on appropriate levels of formality, business hierarchy and timing. Success leaves clues! Learn the Do’s & Taboos of the country and cultures you partner with. Be well prepared. Gayle Cotton author of the bestselling book, 'Say Anything to Anyone, Anywhere: 5 Keys To Successful Cross-Cultural Communication' End
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