What is the best method for getting your team based on four continents to work together effectively?
Though most people are unaware of it, the ways you seek to persuade others and the kinds of arguments you find persuasive are deeply rooted in your culture's philosophical, religious and educational assumptions and attitudes. Far from being universal, then, the art of persuasion is one that is profoundly culture-based.
For example, "in China, the boss is always right," says Steve Henning, reflecting on his years of managing in Bejing. "And even when the boss is very wrong, he is still right."
If, like Henning, you find yourself managing staff in a culture that is more hierarchical than your own, you may be surprised and uncomfortable to see how much importance is placed on what you say and how difficult it is to hear the opinions of those in positions below you.
Globalization has led to the rapid connection of internationally based employees from all levels of multinational companies.
Where once an employee might have been expected to primarily collaborate with colleagues from his own country, today many people are part of global networks connected with people scattered around the world.
Yet, most managers have little understanding of how local culture impacts golbal interaction. Even those who are culturally informed, travel extensively, and have lived abroad often have few strategies for dealing with the cross-cultural complexity that affects their team's day-to-day performance.
"The Culture Map" provides a new way forward, with vital insights for working effectively and sensitively with one's counterparts in the new global marketplace. Author Erin Meyer combines a smart analytical framework with practical, actionable advice for working in a global world.
Whether you need to motivate employees, delight clients or simply organize a conference call among members of a cross-cultural team, the eight dimensions featured in The Culture Map will help you improve your effectiveness.
Source: Erin Meyer: The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business