Coaching Across Cultures

08/07/2024

Same goes for the 2024 Olympics

05/16/2023

During a previous episode of the Dutch language podcast In Amerika, we discussed work, our relation to it, and how work can define us. We, Dutchies who live in the US, also spoke about the difference in positioning oneself during an interview or while networking.

Here in the US, for instance, it is acceptable, or expected rather, that you talk about your accomplishments, and even embellish a little. Think of that volunteer work you did one Tuesday afternoon and make it sound like a week's worth of giving back. Think of ‘humble bragging’.

In The Netherlands, on the other hand, it is generally not done to pat yourself on your back by presenting yourself in such a way. During a job interview, for instance, your resume is considered self evident of what you have accomplished. Boasting may, in fact, result in you being judged negatively.

Moral of the story for people from cultures where being business modest is a virtue? When in America, take pride in plugging your yourself, your deeds, and your company. It's okay 😉

😉

11/24/2022

Happy Thanksgiving to celebrating today 🍂🧡🍁

10/06/2022

Born in London, England, my first (and only) language was English. We moved to Hilversum, the Netherlands, in time for me to start Kindergarten, so I was 5 when I learned Dutch.

Like many families who speak multiple languages, we created our own home hybrid. After marrying a person with a third mother tongue plus moving to Atlanta, USA, yet another composite language was created.

As much as I love the way we communicate in our home, I didn’t like that my Dutch language was slipping away from me. Use it or lose it, right, and my daily reality was that I didn’t use it that much anymore.

Until last year, when I was invited to be part of the Dutch language podcast ‘In Amerika’. And more recently, when I was asked to join the board of NAF Atlanta.

Having a legitimate reason to have entire conversations in Dutch on a regular basis?! Priceless to me 😊

05/17/2022

If you ever worked with a group of Dutch people, you probably are familiar with the response ‘ja, maar...’ (yes, but...). It’s a default setting a lot of us have - to question every idea.

The good thing about this approach is that it forces the group to look at an issue from more than one angle. The downside is the discussion can spiral into negativity and subsequently stifle creativity.

Last week ’s Board and friends held a strategic brainstorming session to envision our plans for 2023. The ideas, visions, ambitions flowed freely, and with the absence of the arguably notorious ‘ja, maar’ 😉 Must be that American ‘can do’ mentality at work 💪🏼

03/07/2022

Shaking hands as a greeting, smiling, eye contact. These are considered basic business etiquettes in certain cultures. These same behaviors aren’t considered appropriate in a professional Pakistani setting, particularly between men and women. Little did I know when I worked in that country years ago

‘Fun’ fact - over 40% of expat assignments are deemed to be failures, and one of the biggest contributors to those failures is cross-cultural challenges.

What I learned the hard way (!) while working with and living amongst people from outside my ‘first culture’ are these four truths:


1. Become aware of your own style of communication, including the non-verbals.
2. Study, have open conversations and/or estimate your counterparts’ style of communication.
3. Anticipate your counterparts’ behavior and their expectations of you.
4. Commit to adjusting and flexing between behavioral patterns accordingly.

Don’t be like me! Do your homework 😉

11/09/2021

And I don’t think mine are the only ones that count 😊

08/28/2021

Use it, or lose it. I know this to be true for my language skills.

Most of my conversations, thoughts, books, and media intake are in English. In my daily life, I hardly speak Dutch anymore. And when I do, I catch myself using a lot of English words and/or sentences.

And now I sit on a panel of a podcast. A Dutch language podcast, mind you. Depending on how tired my brain is on the day we record, I struggle more, or I struggle less, to find the appropriate words.

Here’s to hoping these weekly talks will slow the decline 😎

https://lnkd.in/dtGZmR-p

05/12/2021

Eid Mubarak to all who are celebrating 🌙💛

04/13/2021

To all of my contacts who will be fasting ⭐️🌙

04/07/2021

Working an office job, either in an actual office, or remotely, typically means screen time and sitting. Because of Covid-19 meetings aren’t happening in person anymore, but rather via video calls: more screen time, and more sitting.

Am recommitting to my old resolution to combine meetings, where possible, with exercise. Rather than choosing one, and procrastinating on the other 😉 Thank you, Nilofer Merchant, for this timely reminder.

Nilofer Merchant suggests a small idea that just might have a big impact on your life and health: Next time you have a one-on-one meeting, make it into a "walking meeting" -- and let ideas flow while you walk and talk.

04/04/2021

🐣💛🐥