The world as we all know it has become a global village.
People from all walks of life converge in different business environments and
of course they need to communicate. Although communication has some basic rules
it has no global standard. Because of culture, socialization, language among
different people of the world communication has to be learned as a skill. A
business executive from America will need to sharpen his or her Chinese
language and culture. This is because not all persons that you speak with will
understand English and they will also have expectations with regards to their
culture.
Apart from different nationalities in a business or within
business environments you may be required to communicate with people of
different genders, special needs people or children. Social class and age are
among other demographics that you may have to work with in business
environments. This will require you to package your communication to fit with
these different demographics and of course if you mix them up you and the
business are on the line. Take for example this article the article has been
prepared in English and directed to business people but since it is published
on the internet it is accessible to everyone and anyone. I have to ensure that
the article is acceptable to different genders, age groups, nationalities among
other demographics. The internet offers translation services for example Google
translate so language is no barrier. If I make a mistake and communicate in a
manner that is considered offensive to any of the demographics then I will be
required to clarify, retract or apologize and you can imagine the public
relations (PR) costs.
Let us know look at how best to communicate with different
people and avoid unnecessary PR costs to the business.
Communicating with different genders and sexualities
Tune out your prejudice and bias
This may have come up because of your previous interactions
with people of the different or same gender. Stereotypes that you may have
heard of or grown up knowing may give you the wrong assumptions and impression.
People are unique in nature so when communicating in this case in a business
environment try and be neutral it helps in understanding the message.
Sexuality is diverse and complex
A female client may inform you that they will be going out
on a date that evening. In this case don’t respond with the assumption that the
person is male because your client could be lesbian. In this day and age you
may also need to tone down on homophobic comments or vice versa.
Communicating with people from different nationalities
In our modern day business environment we interact with
people from different nationalities. This comes with several variations such as
language, race and culture.
Take time and learn
I am not asking you to be an expert but at least try to
learn enough to get you by. Depending on the geographical region you are in you
should know who you meet frequently. With this knowledge equip yourself with
their communication culture and if possible with their language or get an interpreter.
Remember what you consider as not offensive may be offensive to other people.
For example in certain cultures it is not appropriate for a woman to maintain
eye contact with a man.
I am not the expert of my culture
Just because a Chinese client is visiting your business it
may not be perfect to make them meet with a Chinese representative. The
customer may come from a totally different background they may have been born
and raised in the United Kingdom and limitedly exposed to their culture and
customs. So save everyone the embarrassment and hold your assumptions at bay.
Be racially appropriate
There are some terms used that may imply racial bias. Take
for example some people in America may prefer the term Caucasian instead of
white or African American instead of black. Direct use of color to refer to a
race may often be received negatively. If possible don’t take that risk.
Don’t shy away
Don’t be afraid to communicate with people from different
cultures and nationalities sometimes it is the only way you will learn. Be
ready to make mistakes and you have an opportunity to use humor to overcome
these mistakes and form a lasting bond which is good for business.
Using translators in business communication
You may be in luck if you have access to electronic
translators within your business but in case you only have access to a human
translator then here are some pointers:
·
Let everyone be comfortable with the translator
in terms of gender and age and confidentiality of the topic of discussion
·
The translator should be honest you can ask to
tape the conversation for future confirmation
·
Speak with your client not the interpreter
Politics and religion in business communication
Your client or colleague may hold different views about
politics or religion. Given that these topics are very personal and could shift
from cordial to a full blown argument in an instant, one should be careful when
handling such topics. If it’s open for discussion then engage but if you see
that the conversation is taking a negative turn subtly and tactfully kill it
“we can continue with this topic later over a cup of coffee”
Communicating with people of different ages within a business environment
Appropriate age comments
“You are too young”,” you are just a child” or “you are too
old” such statements may be easily misunderstood so you need to find a better way to get your message across
without using such phrases for example “this package may be the right fit for
you”
Older people may require a certain level of respect so
accord it to them. Given their experiences and wisdom development over the
years has made them very conscious you may need to be in your best behavior. On
a lighter note though not all old people are wise and not all with grey hair
are old so make the right assessment.
Yes you are an expert in your field but both older and
younger people may offer you an opportunity to learn something new, pay
attention.
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