On Top of Real Recognition: Top 10 Ways to Break Cultural Barriers to Recognition

Incentive: Strategy

On Top of Real Recognition: Top 10 Ways to Break Cultural Barriers to Recognition
July 29, 2009

Roy Saunderson

By Roy Saunderson

How can you give meaningful recognition to people in different countries? Having just toured and conducted training sessions in eight European countries in 13 days, I had a crash course in experiencing different cultures. Break down the cultural barriers to recognition-giving with these great tips.

1. Show common everyday courtesies to all you meet. In foreign lands, you can still hold the door open for people and say the customary greetings. How you are treated in another country need not be affected by cultural norms. Return proper courtesies even if they're not shown to you.

2. Make a warm smile, which speaks volumes in any language. There seems to be magic in any country when you smile at someone. Even young children will smile back at you. So watch the non-verbal language you display and try not to show that you’re uncomfortable in a different situation.

3. Learn “please” and “thank you” in the language of the country you’re in. It is respectful and the least you can do to be involved in the lives of the people of the country you’re in. Say “hello” in their native language and then try to engage people in English.

4. Allow universal principles to overcome moderate cultural norms. Don’t think your culture is better than others, so don’t worry about qualities in other countries that negatively impact giving recognition. We just have to teach and demonstrate how it can be done the right way for the right reasons.

5. Understand stronger cultural norms and be mindful of them. Having spent some time in Switzerland and Germany recently, an old saying was quoted: “To not shout loudly is enough praise.” A more negative and evaluative culture can make it difficult to give positive feedback and not be critical. Allow time in order to see new behavioral changes take root.

6. Remember the saying “The greatest need of human beings is the craving to be appreciated.” This is a saying by psychologist William James. Employees in all countries are to be recognized, appreciated, and valued. What isn’t universal is people’s ability from a cultural standpoint to give recognition effectively. We need to share how to do it.

7. Be prepared for recognition that’s different from what you might be used to. People in Switzerland and Germany rap their knuckles on desks to express appreciation. This is often done at universities after a good lecture is given. Others may applaud. And some prefer to shake hands and share a comment or two with the lecturer. Accept each version of appreciation!

8. Make eye contact—where it is culturally appropriate. Time and time again, our emotions are displayed through the light of our eyes. Look someone in the eyes when acknowledging their great work or saying thank you to them.

9. Take time to speak a little more slowly. People will appreciate if you don’t speak too fast in English. We may have a fast rate of speech when on our home turf, but slowing down a bit will enhance comprehension overseas.

10. Apologize for not speaking their language. When presenting at length to a group in a foreign country, acknowledge your inability to speak their language. Thank them for their patience. In most cases, you will receive nods of respect.

Incentive online columnist Roy Saunderson is author of Giving the Real Recognition Way and president of Recognition Management Institute, www.realrecognition.com, which consults with companies on improving employee motivation that leads to increased productivity and profits. He can be reached at roySaunderson@realrecognition.com.

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