This article is part of a series published on our LinkedIn account by guest writers. Today's article was written by Eva Finseth, IMA Norway on 20th September 2024.
“I need you to read between the lines,” he said. As a Norwegian, that’s easier said than done. We’re known for being direct, saying things as they are.
In some cultures, our straightforwardness might come off as blunt or even rude. In Japan, for example, being a foreigner means you’re always a bit out of sync with their nuanced ways of communication. You rarely get it right.
In Norway, we have a saying: “We call a spade a spade.” Everyone knows what a spade looks like, right? In my country we have a flat organizational structure. The distance between leaders and those on the floor is short. It’s common for Norwegians to question the purpose behind their tasks; they often ask “why” when given instructions, seeking to understand the bigger picture.
In contrast, many other countries have more hierarchical structures where orders are given - and sometimes very politely. In Norway, this politeness can be misinterpreted as a lack of clarity or directness.
For the first time in many years, I find myself working in a multicultural environment. I thought I was good at navigating different cultures. I've lived in the US and worked with Japanese colleagues before. I remember how my Japanese coworkers would often excuse my missteps, understanding that "I simply didn’t know any better".
But now, being back in this diverse setting, I realize it's not so straightforward. I can't just call a spade a spade anymore. I need to adapt, learn, and interpret the subtleties. Along the way, I'll likely stumble. But that's part of the journey. I hope people will have patience with me, as there are times, I struggle to grasp why things happen a certain way or why some things are left unsaid.
Working in a multicultural environment requires flexibility and understanding. It means sometimes letting things slide when someone "doesn’t know any better."
I understand I need to do more of this:
1. Pay attention to not just what is said, but how it’s said. Non-verbal cues and tone often carry significant meaning.
2. Take time to learn about the cultural backgrounds of my coworkers. This helps in understanding their communication style and work ethic.
3. Recognize that my way isn’t the only way. Be willing to adapt and try new approaches.
4. Misunderstandings will happen. Approach them with patience and view them as learning opportunities.
5. Invest in building personal relationships with my coworkers. Understanding them as individuals can bridge cultural gaps.
As an EA/PA, you sometimes need to be a chameleon—able to adapt and thrive amidst diverse cultures.
How do you navigate cultural differences in your work?
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This article is penned by Eva Finseth, Personal Assistant at Stack Infrastructure and Chair of IMA Norway.
The Guest Writer series features contributions from IMA members worldwide, showcasing the diverse experiences and expertise of management assistants within our network. Each piece offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and personal reflections from professionals in the field. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
