16.6 Understanding Meetings Across Cultures
In this chapter, the emphasis had been on conducting meetings in a typical North American context. As you do business in Canada and with partners around the world, you will interact with communities and cultures with their own traditions around conducting meetings. For instance, you may be invited to a meeting where the first part of the meeting involves introducing yourself both personally- for example, topics about your family, traditions, and professionally- topics about your education and work experience. You may attend a meeting that does not conform to Roberts Rules of Order.
When meeting with communities and partners across the world, conduct research in advance to learn about the culture and the way that business is conducted in that culture or community. This will help you to understand:
- how to greet participants
- how to dress appropriately
- what topics are sensitive or off-limit
- what verbal and non-verbal gestures are appropriate
- what hierarchical structures may guide a meeting
- when to show up for the meeting
Most importantly, you need to be flexible and not constrained by the way you think the meeting should be conducted. Be respectful of different cultures and traditions, and if you make any mistakes, consider them a learning opportunity.