Managing+Differences+Tips

Found this site with practical and funny tips thought it fit. []

=**Tips for listening:** = //Rule #1:// Stop Talking! You can't multi-task speaking and listening. If you're talking, you're not listening. This rule also applies to the talking inside your head. If you're thinking intently about what you want to say, you're not listening to what is being said.  Create a //physical// space. Focus on reacting and responding to the speaker. Create, too, a space //in your mind// for what the speaker has to say. Create a space between your thoughts. Think of listening as a form of meditation. Quiet your mind and focus your attention on listening.  **//Rule #3:// Hold Your Judgments **  How often we have passionately expressed a gut reaction only to become turned around and regret what we said after hearing more of the facts? Allow for a thoughtful pause between reacting, a space in which to ask yourself, "Do I have the whole story?"  **//Rule #4:// Don't Be a Label Reader ** People are unique. We tend to create labels like Liberal, Dead Head, Wise Guy, and think we know what's inside. Suddenly, we believe we know //everything// about someone, but they are not really all alike.  **//Rule #5:// Open Your Mind ** While we may not consciously feel the need to be right, we tend to have certain ideas about reality and feel groundless when they're threatened. Groundless now and then isn't a bad thing. Without it we can't break new ground or find common ground; it's okay to be unsure.  **//Rule #6:// Focus ** When someone isspeaking, focus. If you're paying attention, you'll likely be showing signs of focus. such as making eye contact � without thinking about it at all. Below are some of the ways we show were are listening. Maintain Eye Contact. In the US, not making eye contact has the connotation of someone untrustworthy. But realize, too, that steady eye contact in some Cultures is considered impolite or aggressive. Give non-verbal clues. Nod, lean toward the speaker, take on the general demeanor of someone who is interested. Encourage the speaker to go on. Especially over the phone, hearing no response feels like no one is listening. Don't be a verbal trespasser. A verbal trespasser is one who interrupts or finishes the speaker's sentences. Ask Open questions. Open questions encourage the speaker. They elicit a more detailed response than closed questions. "What" and "Why" are usually helpful starts to open questions. Summarize. Summarizing is often helpful, especially if you have had a misunderstanding, are unsure of expectations, or have just reached an agreement. Ensure that everyone is coming away with the same idea.  **//Rule #7:// Visualize ** Visualization is a technique that can enhance listening: a picture is worth a thousand words. One way to use visualization is to visualize what you are being told. If visualization is more a chore than a help, you may not be a visual person. But anything new takes some adjustment and might take a few tries before feeling natural.  **//Rule #8:// Remember Names ** The first step in remembering names is deciding that they are important to remember. Listen when you're told about someone prior to introductions. Repeat the names when you are introduced. Make associations to remember names.  **//Rule #9:// Question ** Going into a listening situation with questions in your mind will help you remember and, often, put information into the framework of your existing knowledge. Listen to body language and be quick to clarify assumptions if you are unsure or are getting a negative message.  **//Rule #10:// Be Aware ** We must be aware of the speaker, aware of verbal and non-verbal ques, and aware of our own listening strengths and challenges.  **//Bonus Rule://** **Know When To Break the Rules** If it's hard to start a conversation and something mindless that engages a connection can bring you together, go for it!
 * Rule #2: Create a Space **

Is it OK?

From anther site [] = Ten Blunders to Avoid in Beijing! = In honor of the Olympics, Terri Morrison, co- author of [|Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: Asia - How to Do Business in 12 Asian Countries]offers you some guidelines for bringing home your own gold from China!
 * by Terri Morrison, Copyright 2008 all rights reserved**
 * 1) Do Not Greet Your Chinese Contacts with a Hug!**

Chinese people generally do not like being touched by people they do not know. This is especially important to remember when dealing with older people, or people in important positions.
 * 2) Do Not Kiss your Significant Other in Public!**

The Chinese disapprove of public displays of affection between people of the opposite sex. You can hold hands with someone of your own sex, but don’t get cozy with the opposite gender!
 * 3) Do Not Call your Chinese Client by the Wrong Name!**

Chinese name order is the reverse of English – the last name comes first. So if you meet President Hu Jin Tao, the President of China, don’t call him “President Tao” (like one U.S. dignitary did!). Tao is the President's first name, and you should not use it unless invited to do so! He should be addressed as President Hu.


 * 4) Do Not Write the Date Wrong!**

The Chinese write the date differently than most North Americans. If you receive an invitation for 09/10/08 – that means October 8th, 2009 – not September 10th, 2008! The year comes first, then the month, then the day in China.
 * 5) Do Not Be Late!**

Never be late - Punctuality is very important in China, not only for business meetings, but for social occasions as well. Lateness or a cancellation is a serious affront.


 * 6) Do Not Get Angry at Delays!**

Experienced travelers avow that patience is the most important skill needed to do business in China. The Chinese are very good at figuring out when a foreigner is under pressure from a tight deadline, and they will turn that to their advantage during negotiations. Overt emotions are not considered an asset to doing business in China; if you are unable to manage your feelings, how will you be able to manage complex contractual obligations?


 * 7) Do Not Hold your Meetings in Room 4!**

Numbers hold special significance for the Chinese. The number 4 is unlucky – it has connotations of death, and is avoided by many Asians. On the other hand, the number 8 is extremely auspicious, and the opening moment of the Olympics was consciously selected to be a series of six 8s: 8 seconds past 8:08 on August (8) 8th, 2008. The Chinese will carefully consider the day and hour of an occasion before scheduling it.
 * 8) Do Not Discuss Politics, Religion, or the Falun Gong!**

There are many unwritten rules of behavior in China, and websites have been brought down over content that the Chinese government considers an “ideological threat.” Avoid controversial topics, never compare your government system to the Chinese, and focus on learning about the wonderful achievements of this 4,000 year old culture.
 * 9) Do Not Refuse to East the Cicadas, Starfish, or Scorpions on a Stick!**

If your host eats it, you should too! Eating together is an important event – banquets are often considered a type of gift. Delicacies are subjective, and being squeamish about eating the seahorses will not make a good impression on your Chinese associates. If your host eats it, you should too!
 * 10) Do Not Wrap your Gifts in White Paper!**

The color white is associated with funerals. Never wrap gifts in white, or give white flowers, or send white limos to pick up your Chinese guests.

More Cross cultural business blunders found at the below website: [|http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cultural-services/articles/crosscultural-blunders.html]This website also lists country's profiles with a global guide to culture, customs and etiquette and lots of useful articles.