How to motivate workers from other cultures

Whether you’re an expatriate managing workers at a golf facility in another country or a superintendent managing a Hispanic workforce in the U.S., cultural and language barriers have the potential to undermine morale and productivity. Follow these steps to demonstrate cultural awareness:

1. Make accurate interpretations. Don’t assume you know the hidden meaning behind an unfamiliar phrase. And, don’t jump to the conclusion that workers lapse into native tongues because they wish to exclude others. People frequently revert to what’s most comfortable during times of stress and fatigue. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.
2. Explain your expectations. Just as you’re unfamiliar with the ways of other cultures, foreign nationals may not be versed in the traditional U.S. work ethic. Carefully explain your expectations and assure workers that it’s ok for them to come to you with questions. Many workers from other cultures believe it’s inappropriate to question or bring problems to the attention of their manager. Help them understand that yours is an interactive work environment.
3. Offer positive reinforcement. You’ve instructed the employee to tell you when something is wrong and you want to reinforce that behavior. But you don’t want to sound as though you’re celebrating bad news. The solution is distance. Step back from the problem long enough to praise the employee’s handling of it. And remember: even if the words are different, praise and kindness are universal.

Source: The Motivational Manager, May-June 2004.