Globally Speaking

Although we stress the need to understand others, we don't mean understanding in microscopic terms. Observing all the culture-specific courtesies of greeting, gift-giving, and body language is too much to expect of anyone who visits a country.

For most of us, our lives are complicated enough, our work stressful enough. We don't have time to learn the innumerable do's and don'ts that, say, Koreans, Saudis, Italians, South Africans, and Mexicans expect of each other. And even if we did, sooner or later we'd be sure to make a mistake.

The people you deal with overseas don't expect you to be like them. Unless you spend years living in a place, you will never master the local customs. Your efforts are likely to be clumsy and imperfect, and your hosts will be either amused, embarrassed, or put off by the silly mistakes that you will inevitably make.

The situation is not hopeless, however. Far from it. We suggest that the important courtesies are the same the world over, and that you already know them! Most of what we call "common sense" is critical for communicating globally in the 21st century.

What are these important courtesies? Treat others with respect. Don't interrupt when someone else is speaking. Be real, be genuine. Be tough when you need to (for example, when negotiating a contract), but don't bully or intimidate. Temper your criticisms with compliments. And be sure to express your appreciation when others do you a favor, work cooperatively with you, or show you hospitality.