It's not easy being green... It's even harder being international
What does it even mean these days to be international? Is “global” the same thing as “international?” How do you create a meeting environment that is both culturally sensitive and culturally neutral? Is that even possible? I think I’ve contradicted myself.
There is no simple answer, and we’ve certainly tried a lot of different things. But the best description of how we approach the question is the old catch phrase “think globally, ACT locally” (originally attributable to at least six different individuals, according to Wikipedia). And, yes, the pun is intended… A little recognition or acknowledgement of cultural differences goes a long way in my experience.
Perhaps the hardest thing about international conference calls is not the cultural differences, but is the dreaded time zone issue. No matter how you slice it, if the call has people all over the world, someone is going to be in their pajamas!
Sometimes, the global conference call can produce some unexpected (but humorous) results, like the time I was on a conference at midnight in London (where I was living at the time) and one of the Denver participants (5 p.m.) fell asleep and was snoring into the call. It sounded like a lawn mower was being run right next to the phone, and it brought the conversation to a grinding halt as we tried to figure out first what the noise was and then who it was. Needless to say, that was a call I will always remember.
Here are a few tips to help you have a successful international meeting.
Time zone converters are your best friends when it comes to finding a time that is appropriate. Try this one: Time Zone Conversion Tool for Global Meetings
Start meetings on time. All cultures have different approaches to what is acceptable in terms of “on time”, but you will never go wrong if you start your conference exactly when you have scheduled it to start.
Provide as much notice as possible to your meeting participants, especially if you are asking them to meet outside of their normal work day.
Speak slowly and enunciate clearly on your call. Even different accented versions of the same language can sound foreign when you speak quickly. Think British, Australian, and American English – do we really all speak the same language?
Above all, if you are the person who has to get up really early or stay up late, do everything in your power not to fall asleep on the call!!!!
‘Til next time!