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You're Hot or Cold...

Navigating the Workplace Culture.

By Rachel LeePublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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I enjoy traveling; the sights, sounds, and cultures that greet you on the road is thrilling. But when the traveling stops, and you settle down at a job, how do you work with different cultures from yours? Are you laid back or do you get frustrated?

I have worked cross-culturally for a few years now, and while it sounds like one great adventure, it also means learning to communicate effectively, and making the decision to let “offenses” roll off your back.

This past week, my co-workers and I did a team building morning. We focused on accomplishing a goal using various games and activities. This got me thinking about how I was before starting to work more cross-culturally, and what I’ve learned in order to work in teams and even about cultures.

With me being in Asia, I’ve listed five important things I have had to learn and remember as I have worked with cultures so different from my own, and others not so different.

  1. Listening is vital for working with people different from you, Whether or not they are from another country or a different city. Listening to others gives the opportunity to contribute ideas, and/or give their opinions. It also makes you step back and realize that everyone's thoughts matter, and its important as a leader or leader in training to give opportunities for creativity and problem-solving as a group.
  2. You CANNOT let every little thing upset you. Remember everyone has a different background, and what may seem rude to you may just be an attempt at honesty or the way they were taught to handle situations. For example, “cold cultures” like the United States, tend to focus on getting the task done, and are very direct in communication, while “hot cultures” value relationships and may skirt around what needs to be communicated—especially in conflict situations.
  3. Setting team expectations for you and your co-workers will help everyone be one the same page concerning culture. This is part of creating an office culture, and should be one of the very first things done and reevaluated each year during any staff training.
  4. Vow as a team to value the individuals on the team. When you value each other, you are more willing to discuss issues that may arise and seek solutions for any problems that may come up.
  5. Learning to have fun with one another helps you get to know how a person reacts and sees the world. As a team, it also creates vulnerability and honesty within the group. A group is stronger when they are able to laugh, cry, and work together. This one always seems a little weird—like I don’t want to be friends with my co-workers! I’m not saying you have to hang out with them every night and weekend, what I’m saying is make an effort to have fun at work. It makes it more enjoyable for you, and if you are wanting to learn more about others, you have to see the working person as well as who they are outside of it.

When I first moved to North Carolina, I had to work with people from around the country. I was thrown off when I had to accomplish tasks with those who had different views than I. When I first moved to Asia, it was different from my normal Southern United States way of thinking. Heading from a “cold culture” and immersing myself into a “hot culture is very difficult, and I am still learning how to grow in leadership, and as a culturally aware individual.

So whether you are “hot” or “cold” there are always opportunities for growth in learning from others and accepting others. Discovering ways to work cross-culturally can help you become more self aware and gives you a greater respect for the world. Some days you may get frustrated and that’s okay. Step back and breathe. Start again, how can you learn for next time?

This world with all its cultures and different ways of living is worth knowing. People are beautiful and we should value them enough to say it's worth making an effort.

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About the Creator

Rachel Lee

Just a travel loving, Jesus follower, living life following the call of God.

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