Learn key strategies to establish rapport with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds, enhancing teamwork and productivity through cultural competency.

Listen! Engaging with anyone from an authentic and genuine place is about listening rather than trying to lead the conversation. Listen more and talk less.

One thing I found is individuals willingness to come out of their comfort zones it's both ways, but most times it's only the marginalised who put an effort and the privilege in management position building a wall to keep current culture, fighting to be recognised it's not worth it, the has to be willingness to be open to change because that is the only thing that is constant.

To establish a strong rapport with a colleague from a different culture, start by showing genuine interest in their background and experiences. Listen to understand their perspectives. Respect their cultural norms and values, and be mindful that it may take them time to open up. Share to create mutual understanding. But most of all, be patient in building trust through consistent, reliable actions and finding common ground.

Last updated on Jul 26, 2024

You're working with a colleague from a different culture. How can you establish strong rapport?

In today's globalized workplace, you're more likely than ever to work alongside colleagues from a vast array of cultural backgrounds. Understanding how to build strong rapport with them is not just a matter of professional courtesy, but a crucial skill that can enhance teamwork, productivity, and personal growth. Cultural competency, the ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures, plays a pivotal role here. By embracing this skill, you can foster an environment of mutual respect and collaboration.

1 Learn Basics

Before diving into work-related conversations, take time to learn about your colleague's cultural background. This doesn't mean you need to become an overnight expert, but understanding basic norms and values can go a long way. For example, some cultures place great importance on hierarchy and formality in the workplace, while others may value a more egalitarian approach. By recognizing these nuances, you can communicate in a way that shows respect for your colleague's cultural perspective and avoids unintentional offense.

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Mavis Nonkosinathi Ramazani

Multi Award Winner, Game Changer, Storyteller, Social Impact Specialist|Job Coach | Listed by DIVERSE IN as 1 of 133 Women Who Change the World in 2023 | Game Changer.
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One thing I found is individuals willingness to come out of their comfort zones it's both ways, but most times it's only the marginalised who put an effort and the privilege in management position building a wall to keep current culture, fighting to be recognised it's not worth it, the has to be willingness to be open to change because that is the only thing that is constant.

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Lady Maurine A

Tour Consultant ||Travel and Tourism || Holiday Specialist ||customer Relations || inbound and outbound operations expert ||Safe Adventure and Expeditions Explore/Experience/Enjoy Safely
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Navigating Cultural Differences in Collaboration Cultural Awareness: Understand their cultural norms and practices. Active Listening: Pay full attention without interrupting. Ask Questions: Show interest in their culture and experiences. Share Your Culture: Offer insights into your own cultural background. Respect Differences: Avoid stereotypes and be tolerant of diverse viewpoints. Clarify Communication: Ensure mutual understanding to prevent misunderstandings. Build Trust: Be reliable, fulfill commitments, and demonstrate integrity. Be Patient: Recognize that building rapport takes time. Celebrate Diversity: Appreciate the strengths diverse perspectives bring. Adaptability: Adjust communication styles to accommodate differences

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Colette Fuller

Epperson HOA
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The best way is to get to know the person. A person from a different culture can be a learning experience for both parties. Their interest in activities, tv shows, be personal that is the best way and understand regarding less of the barriers business or personal be open to ask questions. Keep it friendly. Find out if they have interest that comingle with yours. Ask if they have any questions for you be open build the relationship but keep it business.

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Armin Nau

Wir machen Mitarbeiter glücklich! Wertschätzung und Mitarbeiterbindung als Thema Nummer 1
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Kulturelle Kompetenz erlangt man durch Bildung, direkte Interaktion und Reflexion. Lesen Sie Bücher und Artikel über verschiedene Kulturen und besuchen Sie Kurse oder Seminare zur interkulturellen Kommunikation. Reisen und Austauschprogramme bieten authentische Erfahrungen. Hören Sie aktiv zu, reflektieren Sie Ihre Vorurteile und holen Sie Feedback von Menschen aus anderen Kulturen ein. Treten Sie multikulturellen Netzwerken bei und besuchen Sie kulturelle Veranstaltungen. Praktizieren Sie kulturelle Sensibilität im Alltag, lernen Sie Sprachen und nutzen Sie interkulturelle Trainingsprogramme und Apps. Kontinuierliches Lernen ist entscheidend, um in multikulturellen Umgebungen effektiv zu agieren.

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2 Show Interest

Showing genuine interest in your colleague's culture is a powerful way to build rapport. Ask about traditions, holidays, and even their experiences adapting to your shared work culture. However, be mindful to avoid making assumptions or stereotypes. Your curiosity should come from a place of wanting to learn and grow, not from a superficial or tokenizing perspective. This approach not only broadens your cultural understanding but also demonstrates to your colleague that you value their unique background.

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Elizabeth Lenihan, MSc, BBS, MCIPD

HR & Talent Management (RPO) | Career Consultancy | Social Impact
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Listen! Engaging with anyone from an authentic and genuine place is about listening rather than trying to lead the conversation. Listen more and talk less.

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Matt Croft

Helping Executives find jobs they want & Companies talent they need.
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To establish a strong rapport with a colleague from a different culture, start by showing genuine interest in their background and experiences. Listen to understand their perspectives. Respect their cultural norms and values, and be mindful that it may take them time to open up. Share to create mutual understanding. But most of all, be patient in building trust through consistent, reliable actions and finding common ground.

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Holy Linton, MSW

Strategy Liaison at The City of Calgary
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I like to compliment my colleagues on the traditional outfit they are wearing or their nice smelling snack/lunch and genuinely ask them to tell me more about the outfit or food, etc. I would share short stories/descriptions about some traditional food and outfit from my own background to make them feel more comfortable if needed. I believe that mutual sharing helps build stronger trust but my primary goal is to genuinely listen and learn from their stories. It will help me identify and appreciate our differences and/or commonalities.

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3 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is the cornerstone of any strong working relationship, especially when it involves cross-cultural interactions. Be mindful of language barriers or differences in communication styles. Some cultures may rely heavily on non-verbal cues, while others are more direct. Strive to be concise and explicit in your verbal exchanges and patient when misunderstandings arise. Remember, effective communication goes beyond words; it's about ensuring the message is received and understood.

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4 Adapt Practices

In a multicultural workplace, adapting your work practices can be necessary to accommodate different cultural needs. This might mean adjusting meeting times to account for time zones or being flexible with deadlines during cultural holidays. By being adaptable, you're not only being considerate but also promoting a more inclusive work environment. This flexibility can lead to a more harmonious team dynamic and show your colleague that you're committed to a respectful and collaborative working relationship.

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Andre Wijaya

ODP Commercial Banking at PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk | AI Trainer | Founder & CEO | LPDP Awardee
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1. Adapt Practices: Be flexible with meeting times and deadlines. 2. Show Interest: Learn about their culture. 3. Communicate Clearly: Use respectful and clear language.

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5 Offer Support

Offering support to a colleague from a different culture can take many forms, from helping them navigate the nuances of the workplace to standing up against any cultural insensitivity they may face. This support builds trust and shows that you're an ally in their professional journey. Whether it's assisting with language barriers or understanding local business practices, your support can make a significant difference in their comfort and success at work.

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Armin Nau

Wir machen Mitarbeiter glücklich! Wertschätzung und Mitarbeiterbindung als Thema Nummer 1
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Unternehmen können kulturelle Kompetenz durch verschiedene Maßnahmen fördern: Schulungen und Workshops zu interkultureller Kommunikation und Diversität sind essenziell. Mentoring-Programme, wie Kulturpatenschaften und Peer-Mentoring, erleichtern die Integration. Ressourcen wie Handbücher und eine interkulturelle Bibliothek sind hilfreich. E-Learning-Plattformen und Apps bieten flexible Lernmöglichkeiten. Kulturveranstaltungen und Teambuilding fördern den Austausch. Richtlinien und interne Kommunikation unterstützen Inklusion. Beratung durch interne oder externe Experten und Mitarbeiterinitiativen zum Erfahrungsaustausch runden das Angebot ab. Diese Maßnahmen stärken das kulturelle Bewusstsein und die Zusammenarbeit.

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6 Celebrate Diversity

Finally, celebrating the diversity that different cultures bring to the workplace is a joyful way to establish rapport. Encourage the sharing of different perspectives and incorporate diverse ideas into projects and decision-making processes. This not only enriches the work environment but also reinforces the value of each team member's cultural contributions. Celebrating diversity can lead to innovative solutions and a deeper sense of community among colleagues.

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Armin Nau

Wir machen Mitarbeiter glücklich! Wertschätzung und Mitarbeiterbindung als Thema Nummer 1
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Vielfalt im Unternehmen kann durch verschiedene Maßnahmen gefeiert werden: Kulturelle Veranstaltungen wie internationale Essenstage und Präsentationen fördern den Austausch. Diversity Days mit thematischen Aktivitäten und Workshops stärken das Bewusstsein. Interne Kommunikationskampagnen über Newsletter und Social Media teilen kulturelle Geschichten. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) organisieren Veranstaltungen und fördern das Miteinander. Bildungsinitiativen wie Schulungen zur kulturellen Sensibilität sind wichtig. Gemeinschaftsprojekte und dekorierte Büroräume mit kulturellen Symbolen schaffen ein inklusives Umfeld. Vielfalts-Awards und das Teilen von Erfolgsgeschichten honorieren und fördern Engagement für Diversität.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're working with a colleague from a different culture. How can you establish strong rapport?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Learn Basics

2 Show Interest

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Adapt Practices

5 Offer Support

6 Celebrate Diversity

7 Here’s what else to consider

Cultural Competency

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You're working with a colleague from a different culture. How can you establish strong rapport?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Learn Basics

2 Show Interest

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Adapt Practices

5 Offer Support

6 Celebrate Diversity

7 Here’s what else to consider

Cultural Competency

Rate this article

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