Management Tip of the Day: Lessen the Damage from the Inevitable Cultural Faux Pas

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JUNE 21, 2013 Lessen the Damage from the Inevitable Cultural Faux Pas When working in a foreign setting with different norms and rules, you're likely to make cultural mistakes. But you can lessen their impact by engendering people's trust in the first place. Make sure your foreign counterparts believe you care enough to try to learn about their culture, even if you haven't fully mastered the rules. Work hard to show genuine interest, curiosity, and respect. But, you also need to be authentic. Don't fake an interest in Indian food, for example, if you could care less about culinary arts. Find a pursuit that genuinely appeals to you and explore that. Otherwise, it will be clear to your colleagues that you're trying to ingratiate yourself, not learn about the ins and outs of their culture. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Preparing for Inevitable Cultural Faux Pas" by Andy Molinsky. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Ebooks on HBR HBR Press Did you know you can access your favorite HBR Press books in Ebook format? Get instant access to new releases like The First 90 Days, Updated and Expanded, recent bestsellers like Playing to Win and Conscious Capitalism and perennial classics like the HBR's 10 Must Reads series - without the hassle and cost of shipping. Visit our Ebook page to browse titles and learn more about this exciting offering. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Write a Better Business Memo 3 Ways to Get a Promotion Go Ahead and Break Some Grammar Rules Use Personal Stories in Your Next Presentation Make the Most of Webinars Customers Need More Than Products Be Just as Effective When You Work Remotely How to Make Time for Social Media Define the Playing Field Before Entering a New Market Brush Up on Your Grammar All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done The First 90 Days App MAKE YOUR NEXT CAREER TRANSITION A SUCCESS. Download The First 90 Days App today to help you stay ahead of the game. » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)