Directness and Efficiency – The German and English Approach
In Germany and the UK, communication is often seen as direct and to the point. Clarity and efficiency are key here, and this approach helps to make decisions quickly and keep things moving forward.
However, this directness might come across as abrupt or impolite in other cultures. It’s important to adjust your communication style and focus more on the conversation to ensure everyone feels heard.
Mediterranean Cultures – The Value of Dialogue
In Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy, the exchange of ideas and perspectives takes more time. The process of decision-making is as important as the outcome itself. I’ve learned that this more dialog-oriented communication style leads to better decisions and builds trust within the team.
The Nordic Approach – Respectful Directness
In the Nordic countries – Sweden, Norway, Finland – communication is also direct but always balanced with respect and equality. While the tone may vary, the core idea is that everyone should be able to contribute equally. Meetings in this culture encourage open exchanges of ideas.
For me, this means that clear communication and respect are the foundation of effective collaboration.
Japan – Harmony and Indirect Communication
Japanese culture is characterized by indirect and harmonious communication. Direct criticism is often avoided, and hierarchies hold significant importance. This approach emphasizes patience, respect, and striving for consensus rather than rushing decisions. Although I haven’t had direct experience with Japanese clients so far, I find this perspective inspiring. It encourages me to reflect on my own communication style and focus on fostering harmony and mutual understanding.
My Approach to Meetings
For me, successful meetings are all about balance – structure and flexibility. A clear agenda is important, but just as crucial is considering the cultural context of the participants. Sometimes, it’s necessary to make space for deeper discussions, while at other times, speed and efficiency should take the lead.
Flexibility and Cultural Sensitivity
Flexibility means adjusting communication styles based on the cultural context. In international meetings, it’s essential to quickly respond to different communication habits to promote exchange and avoid misunderstandings.
Digital Meetings – Cultural Differences in the Virtual Space
In the digital world, where meetings increasingly happen via video calls, cultural differences are just as relevant. The way we communicate is still shaped by culture, even in virtual spaces. The challenge here is that nonverbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone are often harder to interpret.
Cultural Sensitivity in Online Calls
In international video meetings, it’s particularly important to be aware of the cultural context of participants. While in some cultures direct communication on a screen might be more effective, in others, it might be seen as inappropriate to speak up too quickly or be too direct. The way we present our ideas and how we navigate the space in digital calls varies depending on the culture and needs to be adapted accordingly.
Conclusion
Taking cultural differences into account not only boosts meeting efficiency but also helps to build stronger, more respectful working relationships. For me, this means always going into every meeting with an open mindset and respecting the cultural context of others – a point that IA-Meetings also highlights in their article on how cultural differences can impact communication in meetings.
Thanks for reading!
