Yael Zofi's Blog, page 9
January 30, 2013
Working Across Cultures – Four Strategies To Get Un-Lost In Translation – Part 1
Having just released the latest edition of my cross cultural communications book, “Communicating Through a Global Lens“, I am dedicating this month’s blog posts to cross cultural communication topics hoping that this brings greater awareness to this very important element of managing global virtual teams everywhere.
WHEN THINGS GET LOST IN TRANSLATION
I know firsthand how English words may have dual meanings, as an incident with a recent consulting engagement indicates. My client was a manufacturing company with several overseas locations. As part of a group email, my office manager and I often sent or requested information about materials that were customized by location. In response to a request she made about the need to print training guides locally, my office manager received the following email: “As you demanded, I am sending information about the printing schedule.” She quickly dashed off her own email which stated, “Just for the record, and for your own communication in English, saying ‘as you demanded’ is not PC! LOL. ‘As per your request’ would sound much better.” She received the following email in response: “What is PC? Are you referring to our computers? ” At that point she phoned our contact and clarified the difference between demand and request; in addition she explained that PC in this instance meant politically correct, not a computer! Fortunately we all had a good laugh and agreed to take extra care with future emails.
Virtual Teams Translate English to English
As we have seen, the mix of cultures can cause various obstacles. According to the 150+ personal interviews I conducted to gather research for my virtual teams book, the most common difficulty pertains to differences in understanding the English language (47%), due to levels of competency, differences in interpretations, literal translation issues, lack of language skills (hired for technical expertise) and accents.
During some of my consulting engagements with global firms throughout the years, I smile when I come across English being translated to English. Being foreign-born, I am always sensitive to how I speak, especially when interacting with people from other cultures. One key question I asked was: how do you get team members from different cultures un-lost in translation, that is how do you get them to understand each other, despite their cultural communication differences?
Below are cross cultural suggestions that are worth repeating.
1. Be Curious
Keep an open mind, sharpen your ‘people antenna’ and ask questions. Noteworthy quote from a senior HR Leader for a Food and Beverage Conglomerate, let’s call her Ingrid: “Know that your culture is not the only one in the world. Be open-minded and willing to learn about the many cultures out there. Try to really understand what someone else’s language means, and trust your colleagues enough to ask questions.” Ingrid described a lost in translation situation with her colleagues in London. During a conference call to discuss downsizing employees she noticed a silence on the phone. “I asked, ‘What’s wrong?’ and got no response. They were so quiet, and when I asked again, one of them said, ‘terminated in the UK means dead.’ They used the term leaver instead.” She became curious about how the same words can have such different meanings and decided to create a global glossary. Speaking about her learning, Ingrid said, “It’s a different way of talking. So it’s a matter of feeling comfortable and asking questions from the point of curiosity.” In my practice, I often recommend that a cross cultural virtual team create their own glossary early on in the team’s formation so people are clear on expressions and the meaning of English when translated to English.
2. Adapt to Cross Cultural Differences by Putting it in Writing
Encourage your team to understand and adapt to each other’s personal work styles and preferences. To facilitate this, provide multiple communication channels, clear directions for each phase of a project and check in frequently. One manager noted, put it in writing’ after multiple situations with missed deadlines due to misunderstandings around key deliverables. “I had a team of analysts who fed data to the sales departments for different financial products. I thought I gave clear instructions, but after the third time we missed the mark I had to rethink how I did things before I could put the blame on my analysts who were mostly located overseas.”
Leading virtual teams requires creating new ways to work together, and it starts with ensuring that all team members are aware of cultural differences and prepared to try to understand and adapt. You must adapt the way you manage as well as the way you lead. Divide the work up to create local ownership and cross cultural collaboration. Also paramount is providing multiple communication channels, conducting frequent progress checks and translating complex directions. One Financial Services manager I interviewed learned to ‘put it in writing!’ For many cultures it is better to follow-up with the written word to confirm the verbal. Many managers tell me that they follow-up their virtual meetings with written summaries to make sure that there is clarity. Some cultures (many Asian cultures) are more structured and respond to ‘command and control – ‘tell me how to do it and I will wait for your direction’ approach while other cultures (more in the US) are more entrepreneurial and might ‘go ahead and do it and get sloppy’ as one virtual manager at a technology company pointed out. He follows up all meetings with copious notes and written summaries afterwards so his virtual members (particularly the ones in China) can read and understand what he expects at their own leisure/on their own time.
Stay tuned to next week’s blog post where I’ll share 2 more strategies for getting get “UN-Lost in Translation”. Feel free to share my blog posts as well as articles, videos and talks that can help to raise cross-cultural awareness in workplaces everywhere!
January 22, 2013
Cross Cultural Communications
by Lauren Methena
The newly updated second edition of the new classic Communicating Through a Global Lens: How to Broaden Your Perspective in a Cross Cultural World has just been released.
Always leading global communication trends, thought leader, author and communication expert Yael Zofi, author of three other books including A Manager’s Guide to Virtual Teams, thought fast-changing modern times and the popularity of her book demanded a second edition.
“How we communicate is changing so fast,”Zofi says. “Between the technology, the expectations leaders place on their teams, and our growing understanding of working across physical boundaries and cultures, I thought it was crucial that we update the text with latest developments and add content that can help professionals tackle their most pressing communication challenges.”
A popular textbook among professors and a popular professional tool for executives, project managers, and business professionals, Communicating Through a Global Lens quickly became a staple in communication programs in schools across the nation and around the world. This popularity among colleges and universities was part of what prompted a second edition.
For more about this groundbreaking book, as well as information on purchasing it, please visit: http://www.aim-strategies.com/globallenspurchase.html
Communicating Through a Global Lens, 2nd Edition from Yael Zofi
January 7, 2013
A Look Forward
What’s ahead in 2013? By definition a new year is an opportunity to hit the restart button, offering the potential for progress, if only incremental, in meaningful ways. Our global neighborhood is continually shrinking, and the pace seems to accelerate every year. For professionals in the ‘people’ development side of business, and project managers who rely on virtual teams to get deliverables out the door, the potential for connecting people has never been greater than today.
… and that brings me to my predictions about what 2013 holds for virtual teams!
Cloud computing will continue to spread, with enterprise apps proliferating. Mobile apps will continue to evolve, and I expect that companies will tie multiple systems together to leverage data, making it easier and faster to transform data into useful information.
How does this impact virtual project managers? Sharing information and communicating across time and space will become more fluid – but the potential for cultural misunderstandings will increase. To guard against this, sharpen your cross cultural antennas, and make a special effort to regularly enable regular interactions across your virtual team.
Social media will continue to be important outreach outlets, and no organization should ignore their potential. Enterprise-level Facebook and LinkedIn accounts will become as commonplace as corporate websites, with blog postings containing useful updates for a variety of stakeholders.
Virtual team members who automatically visit their Facebook and LinkedIn accounts, among others, to keep current with colleagues can further use this phenomenon to regularly share information.
Virtual Training takes a giant leap. Each year I deliver more programs via webinars and video conferences than the previous year – and not only do I post to my blog regularly, I post comments on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook weekly. The paradigm shift has shifted, thanks to increased availability, reduced business travel and greater audience participation in technology-enabled virtual training.
You and your virtual teammates can look forward to seamless sessions led by subject matter experts, delivered on demand. Colleagues can more easily share resources, solve problems and tackle complex issues.
What do all of my predictions have in common? If you work in the virtual environment take note – you’ll need to significantly hone your senses when not in the room. Do the following: (1) improve your ability to read cues when you can’t look a colleague in the eye; (2) keep in mind that some team members may need extra help understanding your language and (3) stay sensitive to those from different cultures since your own communications may be misinterpreted (4) build trust within the team so that teammates represent each other’s interests when they are not present.
One thing remains consistent – be it today, twenty years ago or twenty years from now. Teamwork is a joint effort. The stronger the human connections within your team, the better your chances of success at getting deliverables out the door in the coming year.
Enjoy exploring the ever-evolving world of virtual teams.
December 31, 2012
A Look Back
2012 presented many challenges in the world, with natural disasters, political upheavals and economic uncertainty filling the headlines throughout the year. However. as the saying goes, challenges go hand in hand with opportunities. We at AIM are grateful that during this time of great uncertainty we were able to help our core audience navigate the aftershocks of shifting global markets and technological change. We have worked with the ever-expanding virtual community, helping organizations connect their people resources to meet these demands. Their support and interest keep us firmly on track. As 2012 winds down, I would like to reflect on key achievements that made the year especially meaningful for me.
Helping companies work more productively in the virtual world has long been a passion of mine, and I am pleased that this year my business reached across many locales, time zones and continents. The Virtual Workplace continues to spread, and I anticipate further cross cultural communication expansion in 2013.
Here are selected highlights and links from articles I penned this year, as well as presentations and webinars I conducted , that may be helpful as you navigate your own virtual challenges.
What it Takes to Run an Effective Meeting
AMA webinar How to Effectively Lead Virtual Team Meetings
Article from HR.com 10 Tips for Making Your Conference Calls More Productive
How to Create Communication Cues in the Virtual World
HR.com Webcast Virtual Teams; Creating Context in a Virtual World
HR.com Webcast 5 Secrets to Engaging “Lost Riders” on Your Virtual Teams
Article in People & Strategy Importance of Cross-Cultural Communication & Overcoming Intercultural Disconnect in Your Virtual Team
Techniques and Best Practices for Managing Virtual Teams
Video Interview WATCH-IT Managing Virtual Teams: Techniques and Best Practices
Article in Technology & Society Getting Deliverables Out the Door with Your Virtual Team – Administering CPR
Characteristics of High Performing Virtual Teams
HR/NY Presentation AIM for Excellence: 8 Characteristics of High Performing Virtual Teams
I would be remiss if I did not make note of two highlights of a busy year – presenting at major professional conferences, first, at ASTD’s annual conference where I was a featured speaker. I shared best practices on how technology impacts Virtual Teams. Later on this year I ran a two-day interactive training class at SHRM’s annual conference on Virtual Teams. This workshop generated many insights that I have since shared with clients and colleagues.
My book, A Manager’s Guide to Virtual Teams, continues to impact both managers and team members who look for ways to collaborate more productively, and I happily shared lessons learned with various interviewers and bloggers throughout the year. click here to download a free chapter!
December 21, 2012
Holiday Wishes from Yael Zofi
At this time of the year, I would like to pause and reflect on the year gone by and send my sincere thanks to you – my clients, colleagues and friends.
Thank you for your continued support and for letting me do what I love – helping you foster growth and innovation through bridging the human connection in the virtual workplace!
Best wishes to you and your families. Have a safe and warm holiday season!
Sincerely, Yael Zofi
AIM Strategies® Applied Innovative Management
December 17, 2012
Happy Holidays from AIM Strategies®
The AIM Strategies® NY family wishes our extended business family a happy holiday and a joyous New Year. It has been our honor to collaborate with you and we appreciate your continued interest in our virtual team management and cross cultural communications tools and resources. We strive to make AIM Strategies® the consulting firm of choice for your human capital development and virtual team management needs.
May the holiday season and coming year bring you much joy and success.
Yael Sara Zofi and the 2012 AIM Team
NY Based Team
Susan Victor
Karina Koloch
Alex Bazirganian
Trudy Channer
Toko Kohiyama
Seiko Sato
Global Team
Isaac Altman
Pyo Kyungmin
Yuko Takahashi
Past Team Members
Monnica Honrade
Jocelyn Lam
Nana Dooreck
Jackline Makena
Perin Colah
Reda Gudaityte
December 5, 2012
Multicultural Communications and ‘Pepper Pot Soup’
As the holiday season draws near, many people are getting busy preparing for holiday meals. Food binds us since it connects us as human beings. It also connects us culturally and globally. As we get busy cooking, my mind gets busy thinking about cultures, communications and traditions. Soon the 2nd Edition of my book, “Communicating Through a Global Lens” will be released, and I will share more about cross cultural interactions in the months to come. For now I want to share with you a true cross cultural story:
“For many years I taught at New York University and ran an activity called ‘Pepper Pot Soup’. Grouped by ethnic backgrounds, students had to describe cultural traits that differentiated them from other cultures. Then I divided the class into random groups of mixed cultures; each group made a hypothetical ‘soup,’ noting how their own cultural differences affected their soup recipe. Within the context of the workplace, for example, these differences might be around decision-making, teamwork, or independence.
Every class concluded that despite our differences, we all share the most important human characteristic – the need for communication. These differences make the soup more flavorful and open up conversations. Just as ingredients add their special zest to a soup, complimentary ingredients can create strong organizations.
Pepper Pot Soup got its name from a Caribbean student whose grandmother made a wonderful stew that filled the house with a peppery smell. She said that this soup was not just a meal; it was also like a medicine. And then she made a perceptive remark that I have shared with every class since: Sometimes combining ingredients yields much more than the sum of their individual characteristics. The message was clear that a multicultural organization has a great deal to offer, and its members do not have to shed their differences.”
A Manager’s Guide to Virtual Teams, Page 192
November 26, 2012
Cyber Monday for Professionals
To enter just do 2 things:
Click ‘Like Us’ on AIM’s Cyber Monday Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/virtual-monday
Then fill out the short entry form: http://bit.ly/virtual-teams-offer
We are also offering a Cyber Monday discount on our 3-booklets bundle for only $25 (over 22% savings): http://bit.ly/cyber-monday-vt.
Holiday Offer for Virtual Team Managers Ends on Wednesday!
My team and I are offering a special book bundle deal and Holiday Virtual Teams Book drawing (no purchase necessary). Click here to enter and win a special autographed copy of my latest book, A Manager’s Guide to Virtual Teams plus receive a complimentary one-on-one coaching session. Winner will be announced on Thursday, November 29th and notified via email and AIM’s Facebook Page.
To enter just do 2 things:
“Like” our Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/aim-strategies
Then fill out the short entry form: http://bit.ly/virtual-teams-offer
We are also offering a Holiday discount on our 3-booklets bundle for only $25 (over 22% savings): http://bit.ly/cyber-monday-vt. *Sale ends Friday, November 30th.
Today’s the Day: Cyber Monday with AIM Strategies®
My team and I are offering a special book bundle deal and a Cyber Monday Virtual Teams Book drawing (no purchase necessary). Click here to enter and win a special autographed copy of my latest book, A Manager’s Guide to Virtual Teams plus receive a complimentary one-on-one coaching session. Winner will be announced on Wednesday, November 28th and notified via email and AIM’s Facebook Page.
To enter just do 2 things:
Click ‘Like Us’ on AIM’s Cyber Monday Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/virtual-monday
Then fill out the short entry form: http://bit.ly/virtual-teams-offer
We are also offering a Cyber Monday discount on our 3-booklets bundle for only $25 (over 22% savings): http://bit.ly/cyber-monday-vt.
