Working with People from Other Cultures Soft Skills Training for Women in Construction

Learning Objectives The challenges faced while “working with the world” Cultural differences and their impact Developing intercultural skills Cultural values Meeting the challenges by improving our knowledge of different cultures (cultural briefing) Meeting the challenges through effective communications and active listening

Working with people from other cultures What are the benefits & challenges?

Why is it important to know how to work with the world? Supporting staff Carry out their role effectively and sensitively Meet the company’s operational objectives Meet customer needs and expectations Supporting customers Satisfy customers, meet their needs and support their well being Meet all health and safety regulations

Communication Not understanding what is said or written English is not their native language People use jargon, idioms, “corporate style” Accents People use sophisticated English Inability to communicate easily in English Fear of using the wrong word and embarrass yourself Fear of losing your job

Knowledge The “way things work” in the (country or project) in general Specific workplace manners/culture Specific details of the workplace Customer - how he/she reacts in different situations; how should the staff behave

Understanding Being understood as an individual and understanding others Knowing how to react/behave in different situations Knowing how other cultures may “behave”; understanding their “manners/norms” Different sensitive topics in terms of historic heritage Understanding how beliefs/culture impact on behaviour

Behaviour The behaviour and the responses of different cultures in different situations How do they behave and whether they are seen as rude or unhappy? Different sensitive topics such as: Inappropriate body language including eye/body contact, personal space, etc.

Benefits Different people bring different advantages to the workplace It provides a more dynamic, vibrant and creative workplace The organisation could be seen as complying with equal opportunities policy, which enhances its public profile You can appeal to a wider range of clients You can recruit from a wider range of people with different talents, leading to a stronger workforce

Challenges Communicating effectively and making sure the message is understood Avoiding being seen as “biased” when working with staff from the same background Adapting to people’s different needs - ensuring you understand someone’s background and make allowances for different traditions Disciplining someone from another culture over an incident that would not be seen as an issue in their own country Avoid being patronising Make sure that everyone is getting along with the rest of the team

Meeting the challenges The languages people speak Other ways of communicating Developing intercultural skills

Knowledge and awareness of different cultures Understanding ourselves; our attitudes and behaviour Recognising the differences and adapting our behaviour

Knowledge of differences The way people communicate Customs, values, beliefs Visible and invisible differences

Knowledge of cultural differences Fashion Food and drink Music, literature, and art Language Gestures and greetings Manners Communication style Customs, rituals and ceremonies Religious beliefs Attitudes towards leadership and power Views on time and personal space Ideas about relationships and friendships World views and outlooks Fundamental values

Knowledge and awareness of yourself Body language Way of speaking Values and way of working

What influences our attitudes? What information influences my attitudes? Where does the information come from? What do I do with the information?

Adapting your behaviour Where do you stand against those you work with?

Effective communications Communicating with others: Spoken Written Non-verbal Listening to others

How easy is it to understand? Attention; attention. Fire alarms have been activated in certain parts of the building. If you are in an area where the bells are sounding continuously you must evacuate that area immediately. Regulations require that we separate pedestrians from vehicles. Everybody should have been familiarized who is using the cradles. This upper ground floor is very congested and we’re reallocating it to be used.

X is committed to protecting the environment and requires that consideration is given to anything that may adversely affect it before, during or upon completion of the contract. First aiders can be recognised by a white cross. THE USE OF RADIO/MOBILE PHONES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THIS VICINITY How easy is it to understand?

Active listening

And finally Build your knowledge of other cultures Develop your understanding of your own behaviour and values Communicate effectively Act appropriately Check understanding Be patient

HIGH HEELS PROJECT Leonardo da Vinci – Transfer of Innovation BG1-LEO C OPYRIGHT © Copyright 2013 High Heels Consortium Consisting of: BULGARIAN CONSTRUCTION CHAMBER (BG) CONSTRUCTION TRAINING CENTER (BG) AR CI PROFESSIONAL CENTRE Ltd (BG) MILITOS EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES &SERVICES (GR) KNOWL (GR) RNDO Ltd (CY) STEJAR CENTER OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT & EXCELLENCE (RO) This document may not be copied, reproduced, or modified in whole or in part for any purpose without written permission from the High Heels Consortium. In addition an acknowledgement of the authors of the document and all applicable portions of the copyright notice must be clearly referenced. All rights reserved. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Transferring the University of Salford’s award winning training programme: “‘Women and Work: Sector Pathways Initiative” (2010)