How to Interact with Culturally Diverse People

In a rapidly globalizing world, where cultures are becoming increasingly interconnected, businesses are acquiring more diverse staffs. However, understanding someone else’s culture can be confusing and can make communication difficult. Fortunately, there are some universal tips you can keep in mind when you’re interacting with someone else from a diverse range of cultures to ensure minimal chances of misunderstandings.

• Learn the basics of different cultures.

Perhaps the most effective tip is to take time and effort to learn about how a certain culture can dictate behaviour. For example, while hand shaking may be considered as the socially acceptable way to greet someone in most countries, bowing is a standard method of greeting in Asia, or a kiss on the cheek is considered acceptable in France. By having at least, a basic understanding of how cultures interact, you can avoid potential awkwardness or discomfort when communicating with people from diverse cultures.

Additionally, it is also vital to learn about any special needs that someone from a different culture may have. For example, different cultures would have different holidays which may affect their work hours. So, by understanding the basics of different cultures, you can find ways to cater to their needs to ensure that they are respected.

• Be patient

Patience is imperative when it comes to understanding and communicating with different cultures. The initial phrase of learning can be somewhat challenging, as misunderstandings can happen, so having patience and a willingness to communicate will go a long way in remedying any misunderstandings. Furthermore, the long-term benefits from having patience to learn and understand is often worth it, as you can build greater interpersonal relationships with your workers.

• Be open minded.

Open mindedness and a willingness to learn are essentials to communicating effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. You must be able to listen to other people’s ideas and questions and address them appropriately. In fact, having cultural diversity in your group can be beneficial as it may lead to a greater variety of ideas and solutions. So always try to be an active listener and be open to what other cultures have to offer.

• Keep your language straightforward and avoid slang

This tip is more suited for people who may not be fluent English speakers. To avoid any form of confusion, it is best to keep your language relatively simple and avoid slang, particularly when you first interact with them. Avoiding informal and flowery language will help others clearly understand you better, which thus improves communication. 

• Use open body language

Body language tells others a lot about how other people feel about them. So, your body language can indicate to others whether you accept them. Therefore, it is a good idea to be careful about how you choose to non-verbally communicate with your colleagues. By smiling, looking at them directly in the eyes, leaning forward and not crossing your arms or legs, you are demonstrating openness and a keenness to accept them. this demonstration of openness will help them feel more comfortable communicating with you. Moreover, even if you do unintentionally say something that may not be deemed as appropriate to people of other cultures, you may still be forgiven if you show friendly body language as they may believe that you did not intend to offend.