When working with foreigners, there are many things to keep in mind. Because colleagues are people with different cultural backgrounds than you, and depending on the way you think and the wording of things, you will find horns. Here are some tips for working with foreigners that my husband has experienced.
There is no preconception
With the spread of the Internet, we can easily obtain information from other countries while in one country. Among them, you may hear information such as “this country seems to have such a culture” and “in that country, it is a manner to do this.” But maybe they are old stories.
Culture changes
For example, overseas, it is believed that “in Japanese manners, you should not open what you have received”. But it may have been the case before, but now it is becoming more common for young Japanese people today to say thank you, opening a present on the spot. Rather, there will be many young people who have the feeling that if foreigners did not open the present package in front of the young generation, they would not have been happy.
In this way, there are cases where there are generational differences in the prejudice we have with foreign countries. At the same time, if you bring such a preconception to people at work, it is possible that relationships will go wrong. Therefore, it is important not to have a preconception. For example, if you get a present, it is important to ask honestly, “Can I open this place?” Or “Can we open this place in our country, is it good in this country?”
Accept differences by people
My husband is a Belgian, but one of the questions that my husband often ask from around is “Belgians like cheese?” Actually my husband, I hate cheese.
Just because they are Japanese doesn’t mean that everyone loves sushi. Not all Americans like hamburgers and french fries. In this way, it is necessary to remember that there is a difference between people who like or dislike. When talking to people at work, you should not say that “You are from any country, so you must like this.” It is important to respect individuals and not generalize the people of that country when working with foreigners.
Don’t be proud of your house
Some people say that they have tons of money to waste, and some people are living steadily. However, no matter how much money you have, you have to be careful about your belongings, even if you have something that makes you jealous. For example, I can not be impressed to bring back expensive accessories or branded items to the work, even if there are no rules.
As there are people in various home environments at work, you should not bring your belongings that show you that “My home is rich” or “I have money.” It does not seem to see so much in Japan, but some people seem to have high suits and sunglasses in their own offices. The show of luxury goods that can only be seen as a show is a cause of breaking relationships.
Don’t talk rich
There are people in various home environments at work. Some families have many children struggling to keep up with their family budget, while others may go on a yearly trip abroad to stock up luxury items. Certainly, if you travel with your lover or family or you go to eat good food, you may also want to talk to people at work. And there is no problem if it is general.
It’s okay to talk in a fun way. However, the purpose of speaking should not be “to tell people about whether your home is wealthy”. Especially in overseas, there are people of various home environments, so even if you do not intend to do so, you may be considered as a breezy story.
How to communicate with others
Working with people from different countries may mean that you often need to communicate in a language that is not your native language, that is, in a language other than Japanese. If the common language is not the native language of each other (English as a second foreign language, etc.), it is still equal, but if one is the native language, in other words when speaking in a language that is not the native language for one There may be conflicts from word nuances and wording.
If not sure, ask
If you are speaking in a language that is not your native language, you may be inadvertently hurting the other person. It may make the other person feel unpleasant. It is also important to listen to your language and improve your language skills. Also, if you think that you may have hurt someone in your own words, it is also important to ask around if the wording is correct. Even if it is an expression written in a dictionary, it may be transmitted to native people in a different meaning. The words in the dictionary are not 100% correct.
Don’t get conflicts
It is very annoying if you collide with people who speak different languages. The way you respond to problems also varies from country to country, and even linguistic conflicts may be significant. Therefore, it is important to be careful not to clash when working with foreigners. Even if your opponent complains with tremendous force, you must be able to calm down and respond calmly. Even if you are not speaking in your own language, it is important to respond calmly.
Also, if you are in a collision, do not try to be on one side or another, but keep the neutral position. If you do one or the other, it may become an opportunity to break the relationship later. Therefore, if you see people around you who are jealous or have troubles around, make sure you are neutral.
Understand other culture
What do you think. It is especially important to show your understanding of the other’s culture. To show an understanding in the other’s culture means not to get to know the other’s culture but to listen to the other person’s story. In this case, if you are wondering what to do, it is better to ask the person in question than to search on the Internet and carry out uncertain information.
Do not know what you do not understand, and let’s make an effort to be familiar with the new culture. The idea is to push your own way, saying “This is your country.” It would be nice if you could understand the other party’s way and do a smooth job.
