Building Cross-Cultural Intelligence | 3
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Check for understanding. This is a good habit to
cultivate, regardless of where we work. Checking
for understanding, at the end of a meeting or
phone call, involves reiterating expectations,
action items, and follow-up steps. When building
a relationship, it is important to reserve time at
the end of every interaction to confirm shared
understanding. As relationships mature and
understandings develop, these conversations can
become shorter.
Find an ally. One of the best gifts we can give
ourselves when working cross-culturally is an ally.
An ally is someone who can help interpret what
we see and experience. Ideally, the ally is one
with cross-cultural, or even American, business
experience who can more easily understand
some of our confusions, frustrations, and
expectations. We can go to our ally for guidance
when we need a cultural coach, an interpreter, or
simply a sympathetic ear.
Building cultural competency takes time.
During the process, we may feel alternatively
confused, off-center, and unauthentic. Our
partners probably feel the same way. By
continuing to build knowledge, be mindful,
and adjust behaviors, we can move through
the awkwardness to true partnership and
performance.
About the Author:
Maya Townsend, MSOD, is a trainer and consultant for Corpo-
rate Education Group and specializes in leadership, strategy,
and collaboration. During her career, Maya has successfully
designed and facilitated training programs for over 5000 peo-
ple in groups of 3 to 130 in the public and corporate sectors.
Highly intuitive, analytical, and imaginative, Maya works at
all levels, from CEOs to line workers, to develop the relation-
ships, ideas, connections, and interdependencies that shift an
organization to the next level of productivity and performance.
