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How to avoid the communication failed by different culture?

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Bookkhalakorn Chaidee Nonthaburi, Thailand
I've experienced with my colleague in different country that misunderstood what I've assigned which effected to the quality of results before I got that some word emailed them was not use in same meaning in Thailand.
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Sergio Luis Conte Helping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based Organizations Buenos Aires, Argentina
From more than 25 years ago I am working in multi cultural, multi country team projects with people belonging to more than 65 countries around the world (east, middle and west). No matter we use english as the comminication language when we need to talk (everyday by the way) is difficult to undestand our own type of english. But what more impact has is the culture. In my case, inside the organzation I am working today, I started an initiative time ago where we have all related to each country information and culture into our knwoledge management system.
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1 reply by Bookkhalakorn Chaidee
Apr 23, 2017 10:41 AM
Bookkhalakorn Chaidee
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Dear Sergio,
Thank you very much for sharing with useful advice, I'll apply to my practice and hope it's good feedback.
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Kaustubh Joshi Consulting Analyst| Freelance Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Normally, whenever a task is assigned, it is always a good habit to clarify what is your understanding of what needs to be done. Especially in multi-cultural, multi countries team.

The definition of "done" is important and should not be left to interpretations. Even though it might sound repetitive, but it is good to confirm rather than take corrective actions later.
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1 reply by Bookkhalakorn Chaidee
Apr 23, 2017 10:44 AM
Bookkhalakorn Chaidee
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Dear Kaustubh,
your advice is clear enough for imagination when take it to my team and also remain me to re-confirm what they have done which is the important point. Thank you very much.
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Bookkhalakorn Chaidee Nonthaburi, Thailand
Apr 23, 2017 5:41 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
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From more than 25 years ago I am working in multi cultural, multi country team projects with people belonging to more than 65 countries around the world (east, middle and west). No matter we use english as the comminication language when we need to talk (everyday by the way) is difficult to undestand our own type of english. But what more impact has is the culture. In my case, inside the organzation I am working today, I started an initiative time ago where we have all related to each country information and culture into our knwoledge management system.
Dear Sergio,
Thank you very much for sharing with useful advice, I'll apply to my practice and hope it's good feedback.
avatar
Bookkhalakorn Chaidee Nonthaburi, Thailand
Apr 23, 2017 6:34 AM
Replying to Kaustubh Joshi
...
Normally, whenever a task is assigned, it is always a good habit to clarify what is your understanding of what needs to be done. Especially in multi-cultural, multi countries team.

The definition of "done" is important and should not be left to interpretations. Even though it might sound repetitive, but it is good to confirm rather than take corrective actions later.
Dear Kaustubh,
your advice is clear enough for imagination when take it to my team and also remain me to re-confirm what they have done which is the important point. Thank you very much.
avatar
Drew Craig Sr. Agile & Product Coach| Vanguard Philadelphia, Pa, United States
Yes, a classic challenge. In these cases, it is okay to ask to have the recipient repeat back what they heard and how they understand it. These types of miscommunication even happen amongst different business groups using the same language!

Even when finalizing requirements, it happens that further along in the project you hear, 'oh, is that what you meant'. Its an ongoing effort and process. Not necessarily a bad challenge, and certainly no ill intent meant, just a part of the game, and a challenge nonetheless.
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1 reply by Bookkhalakorn Chaidee
Apr 25, 2017 10:25 AM
Bookkhalakorn Chaidee
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Dear Andrew,

that's right, this challenge is not happen only at initiative state but always, thank you.
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Sonali Malu Maharashtra, India
Cultural differences definitely need to be understood/considered.
It is better to ask for confirmation about your proposal/feedback to make sure that you are on the same page. It is better to repeat our understanding during conversations over call.
It is a challenge sometimes, but making efforts towards communication can help.
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2 replies by Bookkhalakorn Chaidee and Prashant Sonwane
Apr 25, 2017 10:27 AM
Bookkhalakorn Chaidee
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Dear Sonali,

Thank you for sharing, it's importance to be confirmed as advised.
Apr 29, 2017 1:05 AM
Prashant Sonwane
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Agreed Sonali.
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Bookkhalakorn Chaidee Nonthaburi, Thailand
Apr 23, 2017 11:40 AM
Replying to Drew Craig
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Yes, a classic challenge. In these cases, it is okay to ask to have the recipient repeat back what they heard and how they understand it. These types of miscommunication even happen amongst different business groups using the same language!

Even when finalizing requirements, it happens that further along in the project you hear, 'oh, is that what you meant'. Its an ongoing effort and process. Not necessarily a bad challenge, and certainly no ill intent meant, just a part of the game, and a challenge nonetheless.
Dear Andrew,

that's right, this challenge is not happen only at initiative state but always, thank you.
avatar
Bookkhalakorn Chaidee Nonthaburi, Thailand
Apr 23, 2017 11:48 AM
Replying to Sonali Malu
...
Cultural differences definitely need to be understood/considered.
It is better to ask for confirmation about your proposal/feedback to make sure that you are on the same page. It is better to repeat our understanding during conversations over call.
It is a challenge sometimes, but making efforts towards communication can help.
Dear Sonali,

Thank you for sharing, it's importance to be confirmed as advised.
avatar
Edward Daniels Project Manager| Independent Glen Burnie, Md, United States
Well communication is a two-way street, i implore my team members at the start of a project to confirm that they understand me.

When it comes to deliverables, i always have a template with sample results of what i am looking for. When i worked with a performance team years ago, they had no clue about the data we were reviewing and as a PM, creating a sample template of my understanding the requirements saved the day.

It was a conversation starter that got us to work on the requirements and refined it to ensure there were no surprises with the end results. I hope this helps.
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Mike Dewing Senior Project Manager / Program Manager| MLD Holdings Ltd. Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
I agree Edward. Being straight up honest and clear that there is some diversity and if not sure then simply ask. The template is a great idea for clarity of expectations.
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