Multicultural Practices in the Workplace

I would have to say that my communication style is often dictated by the presentation I am called upon to deliver as well as the audience I am addressing. Take for instance a department head meeting in which I am asked to speak on a certain policy or procedure. My style will be linear, that is moving straight to the point due to time restrictions. On the other hand if I am chairing a meeting, such as a monthly safety meeting, I may use the spiral approach in which I use an ice-breaker to get everyone in the same frame of mind. No single approach is conducive for every situation. The learned speaker knows when to go directly to the meat of the presentation, and when a lead-in may be appropriate.

I meet colleagues at work every day. Because there is little cultural difference in my workplace most greetings are much the same. The usual good-morning, how are you today, good to see you greetings are the most common. I use email every day on the job. I keep my emails professional. The main office has access to everyone's email. Our meetings are for the most part informal, though there will be a definite agenda. General meeting etiquette is the norm. As far as criticism is concerned, if it is constructive I accept it as good advice. On the other hand, if someone is being overly critical or their criticism is unfounded I usually consider the source and make the best of it.

I have been told that my explanations tend to be over exaggerated. I work with men whose average mentality is approximately that of a ninth grade level. My explanations are not overly long or complex yet I want to know that the person I am explaining something to understands what is expected.

I find being assertive a positive trait. Too often individuals are too reticent when they need to speak up. If I see a problem with an issue I had rather bring it out and discuss it rather than not say anything and later find out I should have said something.

Being proactive is good. If there is a potential problem it needs to be addressed before it becomes a reality. In bringing up problems I like to ask open-ended questions to try to get others to see the problem for themselves. This, I find, causes them to be more receptive to discussing the situation.

I like to think of myself as a rational individual. Thus, I like to approach problems rationally. If persons can reason together (which is not always the case) they can usually find the better approach to most problems. In looking for answers to problems I tend to focus on the short-term fix and then when there is sufficient time consider what can be done long-term to prevent recurrence of the same problem. Conflicts and disagreements are a part of the world in which we live. Conflict resolution is a process where both sides must be looked at and the best course of action taken. Sometimes this means one person gets their