In today's world, work teams are global, not simply geographically, but culturally. While geographical work teams present their own challenges of minimal face-to-face interaction, cultural diversity is the real culprit when it comes to workplace conflict. How we manage cultural conflict has far-reaching implications toward effective team participation, successful project completion, and an organization's success in the marketplace.
The following is a suggested formula you can implement to help minimize cultural conflict. Note that it is imperative that each team member be involved in this process.
1. Create a map of cultural differences in communication and behavior before the project begins.
2. Determine the process for communicating and responding to behavior based on the cultural map.
3. Agree to take personal responsibility for being aware of differences in communication and conflict styles based on the map.
4. During the project, use the appropriate communication styles.
5. At a specified interval (e.g., once a week), evaluate the communications of the past period and improve the map based on this experience.
Obviously, this will take up-front time and extend the planning process. However, studies have shown that this process actually saves time in the long run and results in more successful and profitable projects.
What if you don't know how to map cultures? This is where my company, MentorFactor, Inc., comes in. We can help you do this and assist in the effort to keep your mapping current. A minimal investment up front can lead to successful project completion; happier, more effective teams; reduced costs; and a better bottom line for your organization.
Call us. We are here to help you be more successful.
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