Trust In Cross-Cultural Communication – Tip 4

Cross-Cultural Communication 30-Day Challenge – Build Trust

We all know how important trust is in business. And in international business, we can approach the subject with the same process as we would with business in our own culture. And this has it’s value. But today let’s take a step back. Let’s step out of the business arena. How do you build trust with the people around you? Who do you give your trust to first? Who is it easy to give trust to?

Smooth Cultural Differences

Yesterday we looked at one way of responding to cultural differences: explanations. And this can be the best thing to do in many situations.

But these first tips of this challenge are about smoothing the cultural differences out of the cross-cultural encounters. There is another tactic that works very well. One that:

• We forget because we are also dealing with different cultures and varying degrees of culture shock.
• May need a little thought, observation and research

Today let’s look at something we can do instead of bringing attention to our cultural differences.

Trust In Cross-Cultural Communication Challenge – Tip 4

Find the similarities and recognize them

When you are faced with dealing with cultural differences remember this:

• The similarities between two different cultures can be the cement to use to build strong relationships.

Look For Core Similarities

One of the things I often notice is how two different cultures can have the same values, but they express these values differently.  In both cultures these core values are important and it can be good to recognize these similarities.  In fact, there are so many similarities, it reminds me that we are all humans.

What sort of similarities should you look for?  In business I would put on my strategic thinking hat.  The strongest similarities are those that connect you on a core level.

Similarities Can Erase Mistrust

It is much easier to trust someone who has the same core values as you do.  And it is rare that two people who recognize themselves as having similar core values will be quick to mistrust each other.

When both parties recognize core similarities this can erase the issues of mistrust in cross-cultural communication.  This alone is worth the effort.

Learn How To Recognize Similarities

It may take some thought, observation and research, but it is often well worth recognizing similarities in core values, principles and ethics… especially when cross-cultural negotiations are tough.

How can you learn what to look for?  Or how do you look for similarities? It is not always easy.

• Some people are comfortable with bringing in personal details and some are not.
• Sometimes you simply need to find something that means something to the other person… and it may not have much influence from your own viewpoint.

I personally find this skill best to learn through observation.  Obviously in business environments it can require subtlety.

Where To Get Your CCCC Tips Every Day:

• Here on this blog: Four Cross-Cultural Communication Challenges In 2009
• Follow me on Twitter in March, June, September and December @CindyKing
• Use the Twitter hashtag #cccctips

Tagged as: 30-day challenge, Cross-Cultural Communication, cultural differences, similarities, trust

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