The modern day workplace can expose us to many cultures that are different from our own. Perhaps we have colleagues who come from a different country or perhaps they are your fellow countrymen with a different background. 
 
We might attend a video conference with colleagues in Singapore in the morning, hold a discussion with a client in Germany in the afternoon, and meet with a Pakistani-American employee in the evening. In each case we will be dealing with someone from a different culture. Sometimes you will need a German translator or a Spanish Translator. This means that each individual lives in a different cultural framework where the desires, expectations and perceptions might be quite different from ours.

Each person’s own cultural framework determines how he or she communicates with others and interprets messages. This can become a problem because there is always room for us to misunderstand each other’s intentions, goals, and feelings. 

However, cultural differences also present an opportunity for anyone who knows how to take advantage of them. Some managers are barely aware of the role culture plays in their every day work. But those who are aware of cultural differences and learn how to work with them will be doing themselves and their team members a great favor. After all, teamwork is about producing results, and a loyal and motivated team will always outperform one that is not.

Good communication is the best way to create mutual understanding. Here are some tips to help you overcome cultural differences in working with others and use those differences to your advantage:

1. Find out what you have in common – There are many common aspirations and hopes that transcend culture. For instance, love of children, passion for a sport (soccer is a good place to start), or favorite gadgets (iPhone, anyone?).
2. Explore your differences – Discuss possible differences regarding personal preferences in communication (direct or indirect), how suggestions and criticisms are taken, and how each person responds to workloads and goals.
3. Adapt your communication style to make sure that you do not offend others. As a general rule, be kind in your communication, and when you need to confront others, do it in a way that willl not hurt the other person’s feelings. Yogis have a saying, to convince the mind, speak from the heart.
4. Shift your style and expectations. Remember: don’t expect everyone to act and respond the same way you do. Be flexible and adapt your way of communicating and your assumptions as necessary.

If you follow these simple suggestions you will increase your chances of building a successful work team. 
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