working with people from other cultures soft skills training for women in construction
TRANSCRIPT
Learning Objectives
The challenges faced while “working with the world”
Cultural differences and their impact
Developing intercultural skills
Cultural values
Meeting the challenges by improving our knowledge of different cultures (cultural briefing)
Meeting the challenges through effective communications and active listening
Why is it important to knowhow to work with the world? Supporting staff
• Carry out their role effectively and sensitively• Meet the company’s operational objectives • Meet customer needs and expectations
Supporting customers • Satisfy customers, meet their needs and support their well being• Meet all health and safety regulations
Communication
Not understanding what is said or written• English is not their native language• People use jargon, idioms, “corporate style”• Accents• People use sophisticated English
Inability to communicate easily in English • Fear of using the wrong word and embarrass yourself• Fear of losing your job
Knowledge
The “way things work” in the (country or project) in general
Specific workplace manners/culture
Specific details of the workplace
Customer - how he/she reacts in different situations; how should the staff behave
Understanding
Being understood as an individual and understanding others
Knowing how to react/behave in different situations
Knowing how other cultures may “behave”; understanding their “manners/norms”
Different sensitive topics in terms of historic heritage
Understanding how beliefs/culture impact on behaviour
Behaviour
The behaviour and the responses of different cultures in different situations • How do they behave and whether they are seen as rude or
unhappy?
Different sensitive topics such as:• Inappropriate body language including eye/body contact, personal
space, etc.
Benefits
Different people bring different advantages to the workplace
It provides a more dynamic, vibrant and creative workplace
The organisation could be seen as complying with equal opportunities policy, which enhances its public profile
You can appeal to a wider range of clients
You can recruit from a wider range of people with different talents, leading to a stronger workforce
Challenges
Communicating effectively and making sure the message is understood Avoiding being seen as “biased” when working with staff from the same
background Adapting to people’s different needs - ensuring you understand someone’s
background and make allowances for different traditions Disciplining someone from another culture over an incident that would not be
seen as an issue in their own country Avoid being patronising Make sure that everyone is getting along with the rest of the team
Meeting the challenges
The languages people speak
Other ways of communicating
Developing intercultural skills
Developing intercultural skills
Knowledge and awareness of different cultures
Understanding ourselves; our attitudes and behaviour
Recognising the differences and adapting our behaviour
Knowledge of differences
The way people communicate
Customs, values, beliefs
Visible and invisible differences
Knowledge of cultural differences
Fashion
Food and drink
Music, literature, and art
Language
Gestures and greetings
Manners
Communication style
Customs, rituals and ceremonies
Religious beliefs
Attitudes towards leadership and power
Views on time and personal space
Ideas about relationships and friendships
World views and outlooks
Fundamental values
What influences our attitudes?
What information influences my attitudes?
Where does the information come from?
What do I do with the information?
Effective communications
Communicating with others:• Spoken • Written• Non-verbal
Listening to others
How easy is it to understand?
Attention; attention. Fire alarms have been activated in certain parts of the building. If you are in an area where the bells are sounding continuously you must evacuate that area immediately.
Regulations require that we separate pedestrians from vehicles.
Everybody should have been familiarized who is using the cradles.
This upper ground floor is very congested and we’re reallocating it to be used.
X is committed to protecting the environment and requires that consideration is given to anything that may adversely affect it before, during or upon completion of the contract.
First aiders can be recognised by a white cross.
THE USE OF RADIO/MOBILE PHONES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THIS VICINITY
How easy is it to understand?
And finally
Build your knowledge of other cultures
Develop your understanding of your own behaviour and values
Communicate effectively
Act appropriately
Check understanding
Be patient
HIGH HEELS PROJECTLeonardo da Vinci –
Transfer of Innovation
2012-1-BG1-LEO05-06924
COPYRIGHT© Copyright 2013 High Heels Consortium
Consisting of:BULGARIAN CONSTRUCTION CHAMBER (BG)CONSTRUCTION TRAINING CENTER (BG)AR CI PROFESSIONAL CENTRE Ltd (BG)MILITOS EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES &SERVICES (GR)KNOWL (GR)RNDO Ltd (CY)STEJAR CENTER OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT & EXCELLENCE (RO)
This document may not be copied, reproduced, or modified in whole or in part for any purpose without written permission from the High Heels Consortium. In addition an acknowledgement of the authors of the document and all applicable portions of the copyright notice must be clearly referenced.All rights reserved.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Transferring the University of Salford’s award winning training programme: “‘Women and Work: Sector Pathways Initiative” (2010)