Yes, I do believe in guardian angels

So...growing up Lutheran, my best friend was Catholic. And then I married one. A Catholic, that is. Oh, and a best friend! ;) But there were certain things about Catholicism that bothered me--even after I converted. I don't remember being taught these things; I thought they were just my own...interpretations, for lack of a better word. But, apparently, I was taught. I just don't remember all those Sunday School lessons all too well. Or rather, I remember the lessons, just not the teaching or learning of the lessons.

Anyway, a couple of mysteries were solved for me when I researched the factors behind this article. http://bit.ly/UWcxD6

Yes, I know. This isn't a work related topic. In fact, far from it. You never talk religion at work! But...religion is yet another indicator of culture. Understanding different religions does help you understand how to relate to different people. So, no, I'm not suggesting you talk about religion at work. Still, it doesn't hurt to develop an understanding....

And as to the last statement in the article: Yes. I do believe in guardian angels. Is there a one-to-one ratio? I won't attempt to guess at that. I'm just thankful he/she/they are out there. They've "guarded" me in such spectacular ways I can't help but believe them!

Collaborating in a Multicultural Environment

Working in a multicultural environment can offer rewarding experiences, allowing you to collaborate with colleagues who have perspectives and world views that are different from your own. But understanding those different perspectives can be challenging. Language barriers and conflicting cultural expectations can build walls between team members that prevent true collaboration. Honing up on your interpersonal skills will prepare you to break down those walls and put you on the path to success.

Active Listening

Active listening skills are a must. Focus your attention on the speaker and listen closely to what is being said. Ignore distractions. Don't try multitasking, and don't tune out because your colleague’s dialect, accent or unfamiliar speech pattern is frustrating. You also need to put your own thoughts on hold. In other words, don't stop listening because you're already thinking about how to respond. Wait until your colleague has finished talking, and then repeat back what you think you heard to make sure you fully understand. If she says you've got it wrong, ask her some probing questions until you get it right.

Observation

Observation is another critical skill that is linked closely with active listening. Pay attention to the body language of co-workers. Look for visual clues in facial expressions and body positioning to gauge how a colleague feels about the topic --- but be careful not to misinterpret non-verbal cues that might be culturally based. Your colleague might be avoiding eye contact as a show of respect. If you jump to the conclusion that she is being dishonest, odds are you will stop listening and observing, which works against your efforts to collaborate. While it is fairly easy to recognize frustration or anger, truly understanding non-verbal cues might take some time. Adjust your own responses to prevent conflict and build trust.

Verbal and Written Communication

In all forms of communications, think globally, not locally. Not everyone will be accustomed to the words and phrases you use every day. Even if your colleagues are from cultures in which English is the primary language, they can use words differently -- and it gets more complicated when English is a secondary language. Imagine how using the word "okay" in an email can be misinterpreted: The intent might be to say you understand, while the recipient might assume you are agreeing to or authorizing something. Try to put yourself in the recipient's mindset to construct a message that anticipates her questions and answers them up front. Avoid slang terms and colloquialisms. Use simple sentence structures. Provide clear facts and carefully constructed conclusions.

Adaptability

You might need to change some of your own work habits to adapt to the expectations of a culturally diverse team. Remember that not all of your colleagues will perceive issues, situations or concepts exactly as you do. Their thoughts will be formed by their own knowledge and experiences. You can learn from what they have to offer, if you pay attention and keep an open mind. Strive to be non-judgmental and empathetic to build a bridge to mutual respect.

References

Harvard Business Review: HBR Blog Network -- Listening Is Critical in Today's Multicultural Workplace http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2011/03/shhh_listening_is_critical_in.html

Creating WE: Vital Conversations -- Weaving the Golden Threads of Trust http://www.creatingwe.com/news-media/newspaper-magazine/430-vital-conversations-weaving-the-golden-threads-of-trust

Policies, Schmolicies! It's all just bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo, right?

A communication policy? What's the point? Read "Technology and Workplace Communication Policies" HERE

A few more communication tips....

Do you know what it means to apply "active listening" to a conversation?

For a few more pointers on effective workplace communication, read "Types of Communication Techniques in the Business World" HERE

Communicating is one thing, communicating effectively is a whole 'nother story

I learned a very potent lesson about influence when I was a college student all those many years ago. I was called to sit on a jury in a civic trial. There were six of us altogether, five adults who were all my parents' ages or older, and me, a college kid who had never been to court, let alone had to sit on a jury. I was excited and raring to go. And then I was frustrated and disappointed. In my opinion, based on the facts at hand, there was no case at all, and yet we were instructed to determine a dollar value to be awarded to the plaintiff...based on a day-and-a-half's worth of medical information relating to injuries suffered by the plaintiff in a car accident. In that jury room, I adamantly shared my opinion that the plaintiff had failed to prove the defendant at fault. I had other opinions as well, and I still believe them to be of value. I now know there was one factor that was pure opinion and should not have been raised in that room, but my elders did not correct me.

That's just it, my elders did not correct me.They listened to me. I'm guessing now it was because I was a college student and I don't believe any of them had ever been to college (a retired construction worker, a housewife, etc). I was more educated than they were (although certainly not in the lessons of life), and, apparently, I communicated my points in an influencing manner.

My lesson?

The power to influence isn't always about having powerful titles. It's more about how well you communicate.

Here are a few other pointers about improving your ability to get a message across in the workplace:

Read "Four Effective Styles of Communication" HERE.

Sometimes finding the meaning in a message is like finding the needle in the haystack....

Is your boss reading all of your emails? If not, reconsider what you're writing. Details are important, but managers have a lot of details to weed through every day. If your key points are buried amidst less critical details, do yourself a favor and provide those key points in a bulleted list at the start of your message.

Read the "Top Ten Communication Problems in the Workplace," HERE

Time for a cup of coffee and a chat about philosophy

This one isn't really applicable to work....not directly, anyway. But I love philosophy and when I saw this title, I just had to claim it for an article! The research was interesting.

Cultural Relativism vs. Ethical Relativism