Communication difference: how to deal with working in an international team

A position in an international team might be a real challenge. However, barriers can be easily overcome. It is worth starting with the realization that you have common features with colleagues and set up for effective communication.

Preparation is part of a successful start
A few decades ago, working in an international team was equated with flying to Mars, and today it is part of everyday life.
When you come for a job interview, first of all, find out who you have to interact with. Ask an HR specialist about colleagues or even ask to meet you. At the interview, you might be asked about the role of everyone in the team. All international companies bring their employees together in the LinkedIn network. There you can easily find colleagues and learn more about them. Before meeting the team, prepare a short story about yourself (for 2-3 minutes), which will describe your values, views, and hobbies.
Be prepared for the fact that you and the already worked team will have a completely different vision of the situation or task. You can't always come to an agreement right away, and that's perfectly normal. For example, for some, a simple idea will not look quite perfect, and for some on the contrary - more than 20 slides will not be read at all. Over time, you will understand which approaches work best in collaboration. Also, don't worry if it is difficult to communicate at first. First, prepare in advance the questions you plan to discuss, explain your point of view, ideas, solutions, and informal topics for communication during the lunch break.
 
Why is it sometimes better to be silent
Meaningful communication with colleagues is your key to success. But there are issues that should not be discussed: religion, racial and ethnic differences, gender distribution (feminism and masculinity), wages, politics, and hostilities. Avoid ambiguous jokes. When you are unsure whether to say something, it is better not to say it.

I was sincerely interested in each member of the team. Learn about their hobbies, what they are doing in their leisure time. In some countries, friends and colleagues are separated and do not mix work and close relationships. If you notice a similar feature in someone, do not try to correct it, and do not take offense. It is possible that a person will change his view over time, but he should not be persuaded to do so.
 
If you do not like something, such as forgotten dirty cups on your desktop, immediately inform the team in a friendly tone. Don't start with the words "I don't like it." First, say something positive, such as: "How cool that you have a tradition of making a coffee break at ten" and then add that you are uncomfortable accidentally forgotten cups on the table, because immediately after the break you want to start work.
Language culture
 
The difference is felt in the issues of language, culture, legislation, and legislative regulation of labor, time zones, and methods of communication. Someone can speak with a special accent that you need to get used to. Warn your colleague that you are a beginner and are still adapting, so the first time you will question the information. This will help avoid misunderstandings.
There is a downside to this: if someone speaks with the wrong accent or adds words from their national language, there is a risk of adopting the habit. To prevent this from happening, listen to podcasts with native speakers every day. This way you will be able to improve your knowledge and not adopt other people's mistakes.

When the degree of communication increases
If you notice criticism and misunderstandings, try to talk to the person alone. State your point of view and ask a colleague's opinion. In conversation, use the technique of "sandwich": positive information or characteristics - what went wrong - how optimistically it can be solved. If this does not work or the person does not make contact, ask the HR department to help you establish communication. When working with people, conflicts and complaints are inevitable. It doesn't always depend on the work environment, sometimes even problems at home with one of the colleagues can affect the general mood of the team. If you are caught in such an emotional trap - let everyone know that you have some problems, and in the near future you will be a little out of humor. Requests for understanding.
 
The turning point comes when, even after a long vacation, you feel exhausted and no longer pay attention to the search for new knowledge, the development of personal ideas and projects. This indicates burnout, and from this point on, you should think about further career offers. In this case, it is not an ideal work environment for you, even though it is international.
 
To sum up, working in an international team is a great opportunity to gain a unique experience and make new friends from around the world. If such an opportunity arises - boldly and without hesitation - accept it. 

Nataliia Beketova, for Youthreporter.