Present day business requires working and dealing with people of different cultures. It is so whether the company’s dealings are in international level or national level.
Culture shapes the behavior of individuals. The leaders of the company are expected to be skilled in handling people of different cultures. They should grab the core of each culture as early as possible. Effective intercultural leadership is a long route but not tough. It will give rise to greater flexibility and creativity
Working across cultures has become a way of life at present. And intercultural communication is a challenge. Learning the culture, communication style and behavior of others will make the people of different culture closer. Reading of books of established academicians like Geert Hofstede, Fons Trompenaars, David Hall etc will go a long way in dealing with ins and outs of culture.
Apart from gaining information from websites and books, certain points given below can help improve intercultural communication abilities of individuals. These tips can go a long way in achieving the objective regarding the issue.
1. Study cultures from people around you. You can take the help from websites.
2. Respect the other culture. Observe individuals of other cultures. That will pave way for close relationship with the members of that culture.
3. Get trained by intercultural specialists. You will then realize what effects the culture has on you.
4. Participate in events that will expose you to different culture. Watch how people communicate with each other.
5. Humor is an international term. There is none in the world who does not like humor. So induce some humor when dealing with them. But ensure that your joke is mistaken for an insult.
6. Watch your own communication style.  Make necessary corrections where necessary and do your best to improve.  Thereby set an example for others. Make a note as to how good you are at communication, how clean and clear are your words.
7. Be prepared for uncertainty. It is bound to be there while dealing in business across different cultures. You cannot expect concrete answers and exactly at the time you want.
8. Wait patiently. You will have to allow for some time for the knowledge to come. Working in an intercultural environment may be tiresome. Things may not as easy and fast as you wish. Patience can be considered to be the need of the hour.
9. Watch your progress. Make necessary corrections and adjustments where required.
10. Be ready to apologize for your mistakes. That will only take you closer to the People and you will be appreciated. Take help when necessary. Clear your doubts. Do not make assumptions. Make a cross examination of yourself. Avoid conflict with others. Do not blame them for minor faults. For example, you may be very strict with time. This may not be the case with all. So be flexible. Understand that different cultures have different principles and rules.
It has been established that the culturally different group can bee usually the most imaginative and lively. To realize their potential the business houses have to take intercultural communication as a serious matter.