Four Ways to Help Your New International Colleague at Work

If you have an international colleague at work, you have an interesting learning opportunity, going both ways.

Americans are more individualistic, in general, while many international employees are taught to think first of their work group, not themselves. Therefore, while Americans might ask for what they need, in some countries, other employees could expect their work group to offer this help first.

For example, if you have a new international employee, slowly and clearly explain the American concept of various types of insurance. Insurance is done differently in various countries.

If the employee is new, offer to talk about the corporate culture, or the culture of your particular unit.
What is important to your boss or mission? What changes are being planned for the near future? Does the unit do any group activities, such as a day for volunteering, or cross-departmental project teams?

Some communities have an online calendar of community events. Show that to the newcomer, as well as telling about special events you like in the community that may take place yearly. Offer to take him or her to one of these. Also offer to answer questions about general life in the community, such as schools,  recycling or recreation.

If the person's pronunciation is hard to understand, this can affect his willingness to talk in some cases.  Business speech training is available in various formats for employees; talk to Training and Development or Human Resources about this to see if the company will sponsor this training.

Business Speech Improvement offers intensive training in American English pronunciation improvement for non-native professionals, as well as related e-books and mp3 files. Speech training in general diction, learning to speak slower, presentation skills, and executive communication skills are also available.

Cultural Sensitivity: From the Other Side

It was a rare experience. Yesterday, in my own community, I was in the midst of a large group of people from many countries, and the mono-lingual English speakers were in a minority.
As people from other countries explored our cultural differences with representatives from local agencies and businesses, I heard an American voice saying, "They speak Spanish so fast! If only they would slow down so I could understand them!"

Do you work with people from other countries who have moved here? Do you want to help them feel more comfortable with our customs? "Coming to the USA: American Cultural Differences" is an e-book that may be perfect for your new employees! They can read it before they arrive here and be more prepared for their new communities. Find it at http://businessspeechimprovement.com/enabler/scripts/category.pl?EBooks .