Go beyond boundaries and communicate effectively across borders

Communication is an art! For some people, communicating is like playing the piano: they imagine they have to spend hours practicing solfeggio, trying to decipher the score and finally get a sound that’s pleasing to the ear. Fortunately, communication is much simpler than that. In fact, communication is made up of the words we use, our “sound configuration” (tones, voice intensity, etc.) and our gestures. The surprising thing is that many people focus on words, but they only account for 7% of the final understanding. To understand and decode communication, we need to focus not just on the words, but on what surrounds them. To this end, here are 8 codes to take into account that will help you in your communication, even across borders:

1. Communication: this is the basis. Understanding the level of contextualization (weak or strong), will enable you to know whether you need to be precise or more vague, and will help you analyze the meaning of the message and the attitude that is expected. Weak contextualization will be very precise, while strong contextualization will leave a lot to the imagination or to innuendo.
2. Evaluation: direct or indirect criticism. Here again, this is an essential key. Evaluation tells you how to react to disagreements or mistakes. A direct evaluation will require confrontation and frankness, while an indirect evaluation will require more tact. In the latter case, you’ll have to walk on eggshells, but be very attentive to negative remarks. Countries that criticize indirectly will expect their criticism to be taken on board very quickly.
3. Persuasion: focus on principles or applications. The persuasion mode will lead you to know how to convince. Those who prioritize principles will ask you to build a case, to explain your thought process. For others, they’ll need facts and be very down-to-earth. It’s up to you to adapt!
4. Leadership style: egalitarian or hierarchical. An egalitarian culture gives you more freedom to communicate with others. It doesn’t matter who the information goes through, the most important thing is that it reaches its destination. In a hierarchical culture, on the other hand, it’s out of the question to bypass the established chain of command, at the risk of causing a sometimes irreparable blockage.
5. Decision-making: consensual or imposed. Here again, vigilance is essential. When the culture is consensual, you’ll need to be patient before getting a decision. An agreement will only mean the opening of a discussion with a group making unanimous decisions. Individual agreement is not a final agreement, even if the person in front of you agrees. In imposed decision-making cultures, you can take your interlocutor’s decision at face value, because no one else is involved in the decision-making process.
6. Trust: primacy of work or relationships. It’s the way trust is simply granted, in a culture that prioritizes work. Your results will earn your partner’s trust. Conversely, in a relational culture, it’s the time spent with the person. People will only trust you because they know you.
7. Disagreement: confrontation or avoidance. This is an essential key to reconciling yourself with all those who question your word (or at least part of it). In a confrontational culture, disagreement and debate are positive, so you’ll always try to provoke them. In a culture of avoidance, it’s best to avoid debate and the direct expression of disagreement. This is best done out of sight of others, at the risk of offending your interlocutor.
8. Time management: rigor or flexibility. Understanding how people manage their time will also help you avoid misinterpretations or misunderstandings that could damage the relationship. In a culture of rigor, the schedule is king. We follow it, task by task, one thing at a time, emphasizing good organization. In a flexible culture, opportunity is favored, so things can change, interruptions are accepted, and the focus is on adaptability.

Criteria that will undoubtedly help you improve your understanding of others, but also adapt your communication to be understood. Communication and culture are essential elements in working with others. There are not only international differences, but also sub-cultures within each culture. Need help establishing the best communication strategy for a successful relationship? We’d be delighted to help you go further. Contact us directly by e-mail or telephone and arrange a free, no-obligation preliminary consultation.