When we visit our client site abroad, we may be the only foreigner in the team. We may feel like a fish out of water on an international assignment. While being an expat can be rewarding, it can also be confusing. I'd like to share a story of my Indian friend who went to work for three months in the U.S. and how a simple cross-cultural encounter led to real cross-cultural empathy and personal growth.
"But, how," I retorted, "We barely take breaks in the US, and dance, but why? Who? How?"
Her answer will stay with me forever. "Well, the first day I came to work and had to meet everyone, we had to shake hands, right? Just after introducing themselves to me, they would take a step back. I would step forward into them, and they'd step back. Again, I'd step toward them, they'd step back. I did not know what was going on! Did they not like me? Or maybe..... I did not shower that day..." she trailed off.
"So, what was it?" I asked, with curiosity piqued.
"Well, I did not know at first. Typically, in India after handshakes we step in to the other person to speak. But, no one did this in the office I was in in Wisconsin. Many took a step back, and we danced around the office all day like this." she smiled, as she continued, "At first, I was upset. Because in India, if someone steps away, they probably don't like us. So, I took it personally. I was hurt. The first day I went home and wondered how I can stay in the US for three months. The first day itself, I wanted to go home."
"So, what did you do? How did you overcome this?" I asked.
"They Moved Away From Me, But Are Friendly!" An Indian's Experience of First Impressions in the USA
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Proxemics is the study of personal space. Image credit: Wikipdeia. |
And, who wouldn't like you, I thought. Everyone likes you! And, that was how my Indian friend who worked on assignment in the US learned cross-cultural empathy. What a story, right?
Learn more about cross-cultural empathy
Read about one Indian manager's cross-cultural communication improvement plan
Jennifer Kumar helps Indian offshore and American onsite teams communicate with clarity across global borders. Sessions on first impressions, handshakes and small talk have been given to over 1,000 international professionals. Contact us for more information today!
Handshake photo credit: Drew Leavy at flickr