What are effective strategies for influencing stakeholders from different cultures?

To build on what others have said, an important factor is language. Culture matters for sure but lead with language. Ask what the native language or languages are of your audience and also how proficient they are in the language being used. This needs to be front and center in preparation. I happen to live in Switzerland where there are four national languages but also a large number of foreigners. Depending on where you are, this could be critically important and is a very good place to start.

Researching cultural characteristics and preferences is key to being able to communicate well. However, in light of a more global and more fractured world, it is important to also understand the mix of people and cultures present in a certain area of a certain people group. This mean that researching your audience requires several layers of analysis. Being aware of differences is just as important as not generalizing.

Understand, appreciate and be respectful and sensitive to cultural diversities. Build Rapport with the selected Stakeholders and be open to request them to share their preferences by developing a Survey Tool that can be sent to all with a specific timeframe before the event. Give an assurance on non-discrimination regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, nationality to build multi stakeholder confidence and trust. Provide a support Dest that will swiftly respond to all Emails with certain concerns. Try to colour your event with diversified cultural heritage and request participants to come with their Cultural Wears.

Tailored communication to align with stakeholders' cultural norms and values Recognized diverse perspectives and adapt messaging accordingly Acknowledged cultural sensitivities to build rapport and trust

Try to understand all cultures and accept the differences by adapting to it. find a way that implement all kinds of cultures and include all the views, avoid any type of misunderstanding or mis-interpretation of any culture.

This foundational to any relationship and mutual growth. Only by building a safe space, we can learn from each other and adapt based on constructive feedback and assertive communication.

Authentic engagement with others is not something one can switch on or off or make it a business goal. It is something one has to grow in. While it is important to be purposeful in pursuing understanding, those with with a more natural inclination towards people in general and those who have a high level of emotional intelligence will find it easier to develop greater cultural intelligence. Rapport and trust will develop more organically. What those with these skills and aptitude can do is to help others who might not have the cultural awareness needed in a certain context, connect more easily.

One of the best ways to build rapport and trust with stakeholders abroad in my experience, is to be able to demonstrate to them that you genuinely understand their position and have taken the time to consider the very specific pain points within your given industry - which may differ in their country. Showing that you care enough to have ´done your homework’ and have gone out of your way to try to find case specific solutions for them goes a long way to establishing trust and rapport.

Adapting your communication style is not just a technical step, but arises from a deeper understanding of why certain cultures speak in a certain way or greet in a certain way, for example. It will require more than physical adaptation. It requires a sense of humility and a posture which assumes that others have something interesting to offer in terms of communication and culture.

Different countries have different laws, systems, protocols and technologies. It is very easy to make assumptions and miss opportunities by assuming that the other culture functions the same as yours does. A key skill for anyone attempting to work across borders and influence stakeholders in different cultures is to be able to abstract away as much of the complexity and ´noise´as possible for the benefit of stakeholders on BOTH sides. In my experience, it is helpful to present your main arguments along with any country specific issues that will influence progress in the simplest and most granular form. This will enable the stakeholders to make informed decisions without becoming overwhelmed with superfluous detail.

Needless to say, cultural and language barriers can often lead to conflicts and disagreements as a result of a lack of understanding or missed detail. Listening and demonstrating to all parties involved that their side of the story has been heard and acknowledged goes a long way. By showing respect and humility and adding reference to the context of their unique local/workplace culture can really help to build rapport and cooperation to solve the conflict or disagreement satisfactorily for both sides.

By asking open questions and feedback and show vulnerability we can grow together. Ask "how may I be most helpful?" OR "how might we approach this topic" we create space for safe conversations where everyone has a voice, also within cultures where active expression of opinions is less obvious. Especially when in virtual meetings.

Important here is not to immediately jump to the conclusion that you or your counterpart are wrong, but simply that you think differently. This will make communication easier and there will be less pressure your part to perform, rather than connect.