Doing international business can be an exciting challenge, but it can also be a difficult task if the relationship between people with cultural differences is not properly managed. This is the maxim under which we always operate within Talentor International, the international network of headhunters, present in the 5 continents, to which Servitalent has belonged for more than 3 seasons.
As every year, and always around this time of the year, we meet for 2 or 3 days, in a city designated a year in advance by the members of the board, to discuss and share experiences about talent management. This year, it was our turn to enjoy the remarkable organization of our Dutch partners - thank you Independent Recruiters! - and of course, Amsterdam was the chosen city.
In this type of meeting, with more than 100 professionals of multiple nationalities and diverse native languages, one of the most important aspects to take into account is effective communication. We are well aware that it is essential that the parties involved in the conversations and discussions strive to communicate clearly and accurately, avoiding any misunderstandings or verbal confrontation.
Cultural differences can often affect the way body language and non-verbal communication is perceived, so it is important to take these factors into account when communicating with people from different cultures.
Another important factor, about which we have learned a lot, is mutual respect. Cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, so it is essential to have an open and respectful attitude towards the cultural differences of others. It is important to remember that what may be considered normal in one culture may be offensive in another. Be careful with the sense of humor, ironic remarks or other manners that are common in each of the member countries. They can sometimes have the opposite effect to that intended.
Adaptability is also key in international relations. It is important to be willing to adapt to the customs and practices of other countries. It's OK to have dinner at snack time! This is something to think about before interacting with a multicultural group. Adaptability is a concept that we are always reminded of before we start our meetings with all our partners. Without a doubt, it is the key to success.
Finally, patience is essential in international relations. Reaching agreements can take longer than we are used to in our culture, and it is important to be patient and not rush things. It is also important to accept that things may not go as expected and be willing to make adjustments and changes to accommodate the needs of others.
In short, doing international business from the perspective of the relationship between culturally very different people can be an exciting but difficult challenge. However, if these factors are properly managed, success can be achieved. Nevertheless, there are always accelerants in relationships: leisure with a good dinner, a few beers and lively conversations about mundane topics make things flow...and there, without a doubt, Spanish culture usually has a great competitive advantage.