A key to success in management and in your career is becoming comfortable with

cultural differences and recognizing how to be more culturally aware so you can
learn to respond appropriately in different situations. Know that becoming
culturally competent is a process during which time you will likely make mistakes.
Remember that to err is human. Develop a forgiveness strategy and show others
that you are sincere in your desire and efforts to learn.
Developing Your Global
Perspective—Working with
People from Other Cultures
Nearly 70 percent of executives and management professionals
say that developing global competencies is very important or
extremely important to the future success of their companies.
• The five most important attitudes, knowledge, skills, and
abilities for effective global leadership include:
 Multicultural sensitivity/awareness
 Communicates effectively
 Strategic thinking
 Leadership, influences others
 Respect for differences
You can be certain that during your career you will work with individuals who were born in a
different country than you were. Their first language is likely to be different from yours. And they
will probably exhibit habits and customs that differ significantly from those familiar to you. You
may find it hard to understand some of those people’s behaviors, and you may find your differences
make it difficult to communicate and work together. Welcome to the twenty-first century! That’s
why it’s important for you to develop your global perspective—especially your cultural
intelligence! As you develop your global competence, start with the perspective that “I am different
from the rest,” rather than “They are different from me.”
So what can you do to increase your ability to work with people from different cultures?

1. Become aware of your own level of openness to and confidence in cross-cultural

experiences. Some people just aren’t as open to and comfortable with new and different
experiences as others are. For instance, do you try new foods with unfamiliar or exotic ingredients?
Are you comfortable with class project teams that have individuals from other countries?
2. Assume differences until similarity is proven.
Assume that individuals from different cultures will interpret communication or behaviors
differently. Carefully observe how individuals from other cultures relate to each other and how
those interactions differ from how people within your culture relate. Then, you can try interacting
with individuals with those observations in mind. This approach will help avoid embarrassing
situations.
3. Emphasize description rather than interpretation or evaluation.
Delay making judgments until you have observed and interpreted the situation from the
perspectives of all cultures involved. Description emphasizes observation. Some customs may be
different from what you’re used to, but different doesn’t make them wrong or inferior.
4. Show empathy
When trying to understand the words, motives, and actions of a person from another culture, try to
interpret them from the perspective of that culture rather than your own. This will also encourage
you to read up on various cultures to learn their customs and practices
5. Educate yourself on cross-cultural issues and approaches.
Although we trust that you’re learning a great deal in your classes (and from your textbooks!)
about cross-cultural norms, practices, and behaviors, you can learn even more in at least three
additional ways! How? First, get international experience through traveling. Invest in short-term
study trips abroad. Second, right where you are, take the initiative to get to know other international
students and learn about their countries. And at the very least, you can start paying attention to
global news stories.
6. Make a good first impression
Greetings differ among cultures. In the United States, the handshake is used while hugs are
commonly demonstrated in some other countries in Europe and South America. In Japan, present
your business card with two hands.