As much as we are loathe to admit it, multitasking actually limits our ability to be fully attentive in workplace communication. It is quite difficult to give our full attention to several things at the same time, particularly when we also need to understand different cultural cues. The art of listening is critical to being both effective and inclusive in the workplace, and yet active listening is more inherent in some cultures compared to others. It is possible to cultivate active listening skills in the same way global teams seek to practice cross-cultural communication: through curiosity, intention, and cultural intelligence.
1. We must recognize that our listening habits are indeed cultural habits.
RW3 CultureWizard has conducted extensive research to create awareness about the Impact of Culture on Teamwork. In certain regions and cultures such as in the United States, you may notice conversational speech patterns whereby people speak over one another as a way to convey enthusiasm and active participation. Speaking loudly and often is attributed to being confident and authoritative - qualities Americans value in leadership. Interrupting can be a sign of excitement and a natural part of collaborating. Other cultures, such as Japan, are comfortable with silence and seen as a way to respectfully reflect on what the other person has said. speaking loudly and more often than others in the room could be viewed as arrogant, and someone who exhibits this behavior might miss the nuances and unspoken meanings that occurs in Japanese communication. When a colleague from a culture of interruption meets a colleague from a culture of silence, we quickly see potential for cross-cultural miscommunication. One person waits for an opportunity to respond during a few moments of silence that never arrives, while the other person continues to talk because enduring silence is too awkward. Once we are aware of our own cultural norms and expectations surrounding communication, we can begin to practice listening across cultures and flex our communication style beyond our default settings.
2. Effective intercultural communication requires us to notice and understand cultural and social cues.
Nonverbal communication is common in many cultures around the world, and it is important to notice who is speaking the majority of the time, who is staying quiet, who interrupts, and who seems to be waiting for their chance to join in. A reasonable level of awareness of communication dynamics can only take place if we are focused on the people around us, without the distraction of listening to respond. Try to interject sparingly, and nod only when you feel you must offer encouragement, with the understanding that nodding can have different cultural interpretations. Develop a tolerance for silence and pauses between responses.
3. Active listening skills would be meaningless without curiosity.
Being curious and open to understanding someone else’s perspective are fundamental traits of an inclusive and global mindset. Ask questions, thoughtfully, using open-ended phrasing. Clarify by paraphrasing what you heard, and exercise tolerance for listening to sentiments you may not necessarily agree with. Intercultural misunderstandings will happen. Inviting other perspectives can allow everyone involved to learn where and why misunderstandings occurred, thus bringing a more authentic opportunity for cooperation.
Meaningful collaboration with our global colleagues depends on our ability to listen with intention and cultural awareness. When we approach communication with curiosity, empathy, and flexibility, we can collectively foster a more innovative and inclusive global workplace.
Learn more by getting access to our sample course: Impact of Culture on Teamwork
