Culture and Communication
Sale and maintenance of cultures is more common today than it has ever been. And as more and more of us come to provide opportunities for international sales thought it might be worth considering some of the challenges that can arise when trying to communicate effectively in Sales Cross-cultural or other industries.
In many articles I wrote that I advocate open and honest relationship of trust, at the base. And yet, however, a person directly, without frills, "he said, as it is, is what we value. Therefore, on the contrary, I often find indirect, apparently without commitment, communication real task undecided. "Just getting to the point:" I have said. Or just say "yes" to either be nice or if you really want to keep going? "Aaggh.
I do not think I'm alone, but recently I've really had a look at the style of direct communication vs indirect quote from certain sales and service training in Asia. I trained in Asia before, but I really need to be much more aware of the communication gap, and appreciation of different cultures in the direct or indirect communication. Especially when I put sales programs and relevant services that are based on effective communication.
For example, an acquaintance was placed a major part of their internal services to the coast. People in this offshore team needs to answer questions, solve problems and proactively meet with their counterparts in Australia. Although the technical aspects of employment are easy to form, the question is how to give these people styles appropriate direct communications to the Australian public. Some of us have seen in the call center staff trained in Asia in the second example G'day Australia etc. vernacular, however, is even more than that.
Addressing this issue is not easy, especially considering the fractured cultural communication. Understand the core competencies and specific behaviors required in the Coast team at all levels is essential for clarity and provide evidence of standards performance of work expected in each role would be a good start. Understanding the business staff and shared values of people on each team in the country, also is critical. These shared values can link and bridge to connect to each other. Building a new bridge between different communication styles and cultural morays is the challenge.
This question is one of the dichotomies that can cause communication problems between Asian and Western colleagues. Each these styles has its own intrinsic, often unspoken, rules. When a person uses to communicate in a set of rules is introduced into a situation that is used a different set of rules, ultimately leads to frustration.
The frustration is that the company I mentioned is, before you know. You can try cultural training, but if it is saved through direct action, behavior, shared values, links between direct and indirect communication and ongoing support, so nothing will change.
I'm no expert in this field, but if I go to a computer using indirect communication and daily life culture in the Direct communication approaches and techniques that are part of another country that maybe a quick adjustment. Here is some information I found in my study undertaken in this area. An excellent article which I found really expressed some of the issues and options very well:
SOM @ 'Work Blog Archive »How to communicate with your …
Some cultures, like Australia, USA, Germany and the United Kingdom General on the value style direct communication. They like to "go to work", "cut to the chase" and "get to the point." They Do not feel offended or embarrassed by the type of direct statements that could be considered offensive in indirect cultures, like Asia. In fact, when things are not expressed directly, people with different cultures direct (such as colleagues in Australia) can become confused and frustrated, and could not understand the message to everyone. They are used to communicate with people whose mantras are "saying what you mean, and what you say "and" your "yes" "yes" and "no" is "no." In these cultures, which direct is how people show respect.
In cultures that use indirect communication style, such as India, China, Japan and other Asian cultures, is very common to find situations in which people communicate in a way not to lose face with someone. Therefore, communication is done indirectly. Messages are subtly implied rather than explicit, and people are accustomed to reading between the lines to the message. Words such as "may" and "maybe" are often code for "no", because to say "no" might make someone ashamed. In these cultures, being indirect is how people show respect.
These indirect cultures feel about their own style as polite and save face, and sometimes more direct communication as rude, rude and too aggressive. These cultures immediately think open and honest style, and sometimes think of indirect communication "beating around the bush" and a sign that the communicator is trying to be difficult, evasive, vague or infuriating.
Akio Morita (co-founder of Sony) has already said that when Westerners "do questions or express an opinion, they want to know immediately if the other party agrees or opposes them. Therefore, in English, "Yes" or "no" comes first. The Japanese prefer to save the "yes" or "no" to the end. Especially when the answer is "no" we put the greatest possible time, and find that infuriating. "
Each one of us feel that our style is inherently the "right" style, and the other "bad" style – but in the end, is not a matter of good or bad, but getting on the same wavelength.
The article's author suggests that the key to effective intercultural communication are:
- trying to understand the rules that people play
- cultural norms play as much as possible when we communicate with them,
- give them grace when they are trying to understand and play by the rules of our culture.
I might be interested in hearing other people about how they are approaching this region. Contact me through this form. I will keep you informed. It is an ongoing journey.
About the Author
Sue Barrett has a unique way of getting to the heart of the matter- she combines extensive knowledge, research, insight, and practical experience with a deep sense of compassion for all people to bring forth a more enlightened way of thinking and participating in the world. This makes her stand out from the usual crowd of existing business speakers. She believes that everyone lives by selling something and that all of us, no matter our background, can achieve excellence through purposeful action. Her ability to distill complex ideas and relate them to life’s everyday challenges and opportunities has audience members leaving with a stronger understanding of ‘self’ and how they can begin to achieve excellence through purposeful action.
NW Australian Oil Spill -Senator Rachel Siewert returns from the site
|
|
Blogs $70.5 Blogs |
Recent Comments: