Find Commonalities with Coworkers from Different Cultures

February 13, 2018

Find Commonalities with Coworkers from Different Cultures

When working on a global team, it’s easy to focus on the ways that you and your colleagues are different. But rather than thinking about what sets you apart, emphasize what you have in common. This will draw you closer to your colleagues and make you more receptive to — and less frustrated by — cultural differences. For example, a French employee might bond with Japanese coworkers by recognizing that both cultures are results-oriented and prone to analyzing processes for how they could be improved. When you encounter rules and norms that seem odd to you, think about analogous norms in your culture. You’ll feel warmer toward your colleagues, which will improve collaboration and teamwork.

Adapted from “How to Successfully Work Across Countries, Languages, and Cultures,” by Tsedal Neeley