Be alert to the other person’s customs. Expect the other person to have values, beliefs, expectations, and mannerisms different from yours. For instance, don’t be surprised when businesspeople in Pakistan excuse themselves in the middle of a meeting to conduct prayers. Moslems pray five times a day.
Deal with the individual.
Don’t stereotype the other person or react with preconceived ideas. Regard the person as an individual first, not as a representative of another culture.
Clarify your intent and meaning.
The other person’s body language may not mean what you think, and the person may read unintentional meanings into your message. Clarify your true intent by repetition and examples. Ask questions and listen carefully. The Japanese are generally appreciative when foreigners ask what is proper behavior, because is shows respect for the Japanese way of doing things.
Show respect.
Learn how respect is communicated in various cultures – through gestures, eye contact, and so on. For example, in Spain let a handshake last five to seven strokes; pulling away too soon may be interpreted as a rejection. In France, however, the preferred handshake is a single stroke.
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