Cross-Cultural Leadership and Communication

Business is done in many different ways across the world. How you connect with colleagues and communicate feedback constructively differs tremendously depending on where a person comes from. Drawing on the culture map from the cultural anthropologist, Erin Meyer, this class discusses how best to manage effectively across the invisible lines of culture.

1. Matt Vassar June 27, 2024 COM 88: High-Impact Tech Talk Stanford Continuing Studies Program Lost in Translation: Navigating Cross-Cultural Business

2. I strive to communicate simply, clearly, and explicitly. I avoid reading (and speaking) between the lines. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

3. The most effective presenters spell out what they're going to tell you, then tell you, and then summarize what they've told you, to ensure that the communication is crystal clear. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

4. After a meeting or a phone call, it is important to recap in writing exactly what was said, to prevent misunderstanding or confusion. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

5. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what would you say best describes your communication style? Clear and precise Sophisticated and nuanced

6. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what would you say best describes your communication style? Clear and precise Sophisticated and nuanced

7. If I've done poor work, I prefer to be told bluntly rather than gently or diplomatically. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

8. I prefer to give negative feedback immediately and all at once rather than little by little, building up the picture over time. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

9. When I give negative feedback, I pay more attention to how the person receiving the message feels than to how clearly I expressed my opinion. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

10. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what would you say best describes your preferred feedback? Blunt and direct Subtle and diplomatic

11. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what would you say best describes your preferred feedback? Blunt and direct Subtle and diplomatic

12. If I don't agree with the boss, I say so openly, even in front of others. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

13. In professional meetings, I don’t pay much attention to the hierarchical positions of the attendees. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

14. If I have ideas to share with someone several levels above or below me, I speak to that person directly rather than communicating through my immediate boss or immediate subordinate. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

15. Egalitarian Hierarchical Based on your answers to the previous questions, what best describes your preferred model of leadership?

16. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what best describes your preferred model of leadership? Egalitarian Hierarchical

17. Even if it takes a long time, it is better to involve everyone in decision making, as that ultimately yields better decisions and more reliable buy-in. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

18. Consensus-building ultimately leads to mediocre decisions and wastes time. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

19. If the leader of my organization makes a unilateral decision I disagree with, I still comply with the decision. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

20. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what best describes your preferred model for decision-making? Consensual Top-Down

21. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what best describes your preferred model for decision-making? Consensual Top-Down

22. It is better not to get too emotionally close to colleagues, suppliers, and clients. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

23. I often invest time in sharing coffee, meals, or drinks with colleagues, suppliers, and clients—without discussing work much, just getting to know one another. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

24. I can’t really trust a colleague, supplier, or client until I spend time getting to know her personally. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

25. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what best describes how you build trust with a collaborator? Through tasks Through relationships

26. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what best describes how you build trust with a collaborator? Through tasks Through relationships

27. Frequently expressing open disagreement with other team members is likely to positively affect a team’s chances of success. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

28. When I disagree strongly with a point made by a colleague during a presentation, I express that disagreement. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

29. Open debate, where team members challenge one another’s ideas and opinions, is likely to engender bad feelings and ruin relationships. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

30. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what best describes how you prefer to handle disagreement? Confrontational Non-Confrontational

31. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what best describes how you prefer to handle disagreement? Confrontational Non-Confrontational

32. If I have a meeting at 9:00 a.m., that’s when I will arrive, not 5, 10, or 15 minutes later. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

33. Professionalism has more to do with being organized and structured than being flexible and reactive. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

34. A meeting agenda should be followed closely; it’s not a broad guideline that should change depending on where the group wants to take the discussion. Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

35. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what best describes how you handle time? Sequential and organized Fluid and flexible

36. Based on your answers to the previous questions, what best describes how you handle time? Sequential and organized Fluid and flexible

37. Leading with Concepts Leading with Conclusions