The Leadership in Action Series: On Leading the Global Organization

Getting the Message: How to Feel Your Way with Other Cultures

Don W. Prince and Michael H. Hoppe

When leaders work and conduct business with people of other cultures, their cultural biases can emerge with force. They need to expect that cultural differences will surface, recognize those differences by the discomfort they produce, and anticipate that those differences will create a need for more thoughtful and deliberate communication.

During a visit to a foreign country, distant city, or even another company, cultural differences can seem colorful, exotic, and appealing. But when the time spent in another culture is longer than a visit, or when you work and conduct business with people of other cultures, your cultural biases can emerge with more ...