How we behave, how we dress, what we eat, and how we interpret other people's words and actions varies between people from different regions. What is funny, offensive, sacred, meaningless, valuable, or even edible in one region can be the exact opposite in another. Why and how is that possible?

The answer lies in human culture.

Culture is the set of values and beliefs we learn from our parents and immediate society as we grow up. They are rules passed down over generations, varying with local conditions. As we accept them they become second nature, like wearing glasses. They become a part of us we rarely even notice. Most people will spend their lifetime unaware of their cultural lenses, yet we automatically filter everything we experience through them. We compare what we see and hear to the values and beliefs we were taught growing up. This is how we make judgments and choose how to react. Different lenses lead to different ways of seeing things - and everyone thinks they're right. This is human nature.

It is wonderful that there is so much variety to people. But when two or more cultures have to come together and work in one direction as a team, the mix of cultures - each with its own values and interpretations pulling in a different direction - can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, frustration, and outright conflict.

English League teaches Working Across Cultures to improve teamwork, communication, and harmony among employees from different parts of the world. Our training helps participants remove their cultural lenses and see the world and their colleagues from a more objective and empathetic viewpoint. The workshop builds self-awareness and understanding of others. This leads to better interpersonal communication and a smoother, more productive workflow.

Contact us today for a tailored cross-cultural training proposal at your work site.