site logo
  • Home
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Expat life
  • About
  • Contact
Homepage > Business > 10 myths that impede your cross-cultural effectiveness
November 30, 2019 In Business, Expat life, Psychology

10 myths that impede your cross-cultural effectiveness

cultural-myths-projectabroadblog

Another year, more experiences, new learnings… and yet, some cultural myths are still prevalent in our thinking,  and stop us from making the best out of our international teams, work and life. It’s time to bust them once and for all!

Here are ten most common myths I hear from people about working across cultures.

Myth #1 – When you’ve lived in one country majority of your life, you won’t benefit from learning about intercultural communications.

Although it might seem like everyone is travelling, living and working abroad these days, this actually is not true.

Many people have never been abroad or haven’t yet had so many opportunities to work with people from different cultures. I once read an article that ~25% of Brits have never been abroad. And that is a country that generally has high travel rates, so imagine what this percentage might look like in other parts of the world!

There are increasing numbers of people doing business internationally, or providing remote services to people based abroad. It’s therefore worth putting the effort in learning about intercultural communications to be successful. Regardless of whether you’ve lived in one place your whole life or not. There is just too high of a chance that you will encounter cultural diversity in one way or another.

Invest in increasing your self-awareness and effectiveness in working across cultures to become a better leader!

Why learn about cross-cultural communication?

Myth #2 – When we talk about intercultural interactions, everything can be attributed to cultural differences.

Of course we can’t attribute everything to cultural differences. Not everyone is your ‘average German’ or ‘average American’. Learning about cultural dimensions and cultural values is extremely important and very helpful in getting your head around intercultural communications. But it’s not like you can stop there. Human beings are so much more complicated than just the environment they are brought up in.

Cultural intelligence (CQ) doesn’t exist in separation. You still need all the other leadership skills, you still need to work on the emotional intelligence. These will help you get to know the people you work with and make sure you understand their particular challenges. Knowing about cultural dimensions will definitely give you a good start to your conversations on diversity and cross-cultural effectiveness.

How will I know if it’s cultural or not?

How can the British and Americans work better together?

Myth #3 – If someone has high emotional intelligence (EQ), they also have high cultural intelligence (CQ).

High EQ does not necessarily equal high CQ. As Cultural Intelligence Center defines it, emotional intelligence is defined by the capability of individuals to recognize their own emotions and those of others, discern between different feelings and label them appropriately, use emotional information to guide thinking and behaviour, and manage and/or adjust emotions to adapt to environments or achieve one’s goals.

And it is indeed a great skill to have.

Problem is, the fact that it works in the environment you are familiar with, does not mean you will be equally fluent in recognizing the emotions or behaviours in a different cultural context.

Giggles may mean laughter in one culture and embarrassment in another.

Some individuals have been socialised to express anger by yelling while others stay silent (at least on the outside).

Public affirmations may be encouraging in one context and humiliating in another.

That is why learning about cultural dimensions, culturally-affected behaviours and research is so important. CQ picks up where EQ leaves off. But you have to start with understanding the emotions first, there is no way to skip that step.

Recommended reads:

The meaning behind our emotions

Feel annoyed and discover what matters to you

Myth #4 – Knowledge about various cultures and how they differ is enough to be more culturally intelligent and efficient in working across cultures.

While knowledge about various cultures is great and definitely supportive of growing and developing cultural intelligence – it is not sufficient.

Knowledge is just one of the four CQ capabilities. You need to work on all of them to make sure you practice the skills necessary to working effectively in an international environment.

It’s about a deeper knowledge of your own values which may show in the form of unexpected emotions if you didn’t know they were so important to you. It’s planning for intercultural encounters so that you can pay close attention in the moment and adjust accordingly. And it’s putting yourself out there, trying different methods and approaches, to broaden your skills portfolio and ensure you can be successful in any environment, even one that is not naturally close to your cultural background.

Knowledge about cultural differences is not enough

Why growing your cultural competence might be a good idea?

Myth #5 – Technical competence and being a specialist in a given field is sufficient for an international success.

Very often, companies decide to give assignments abroad to employees who are specialists in a given topic. Those people are ‘sent’ to the new locations primarily due to their expertise. I’m sure there are times where this might go well and be sufficient. But so much more often the technical expertise itself is not sufficient to complete a successful project abroad.

In many cases the misunderstandings, inefficiencies or conflicts will likely not even be related to the topic of the project you’re tackling! Rather, it would be due to the differences in working styles, in perspectives or in management expectations, and what a good leadership means. Not even to mention the adaptation of not just the assignee but also their family.

You may know all about certain IT systems, marketing tools or accounting. But if you go out of this familiar context without understanding the values and perspectives of your co-workers in the new location – it’s a slippery slope.

Recommended reads:

Technical expertise is not enough to be a successful leader abroad

Simple ways to incorporate cultural intelligence training into your daily activities

Myth #6 – Travelling to many places around the world automatically increases cultural intelligence.

Many people admire the world travellers who keep going to new places every week, post fabulous pictures from the food markets or beaches. There are many who claim to have visited all countries in the world.

Does that automatically mean that they are more culturally intelligent? If you don’t have that much opportunity to travel, does it mean that you’re out of chances to be culturally competent? Short answer is: NO.

Sure, they might have seen a lot and met many new people, maybe even some locals. But the sole fact that they have been in a given place (often for a short period of time only) does not automatically mean that they have gained a better understanding of the culture and skills necessary to effectively work with the locals. They might have found out about cultural artefacts and history through sightseeing, or have spent their time in the offices and five-star hotels, but have not necessarily improved the cultural competence if this learning was not approached mindfully with an active reflection.

Intentional travelling – how to get more out of frequent business travel

How to know what to learn when visiting a country for the first time?

Myth #7 – The world is getting smaller as people travel more and more, so the cultures no longer matter that much.

They actually matter more than ever!

>> How many times you went abroad and found yourself saying “That’s so strange!”?

>> How many times have you worked with someone based in another country and saying “I just don’t understand, why don’t they get it, I thought I was clear enough!”, or worse “They’re so incompetent…”

>> How many times have you met someone from a different culture in the country you live in day to day?

Exactly. Probably many times. Because yes, we do travel more than ever. More people have the opportunity to see what things look like on the other side of the world, or even as close as on the other side of their country’s border. We have the chance to see all the differences visible at first hand and we see them. BUT: cultures evolve slower than we think. Cultures are group beliefs and behaviours which cannot be wiped out so easily by just the global companies entering local markets and people travelling more.

Cultures evolve, but slowly.

Myth #8 – Management is management. Regardless of where you are in the world the same techniques and principles can be applied.

After all we all want our managers to be good communicators, trustworthy and to respect their team members. But is this achieved in the same ways around the world?

There are billions of people in the world, with their own personalities, histories, environments they grew up and lived in, with their own passions, relationships and views. As much as it may be easy to say that you always need to consider people individually and after all if you’re good with people and are a good manager where you are now, you will also be a good ‘People person’ abroad. Yeah, it may be true.

But it may also turn out that how people define ‘trustworthy’ may differ. Or how they want to be treated in order to say you are a ‘good manager’ – may differ.

Although we are all different, we have to accept the fact that culture does influence us and growing up in certain parts of the world means that on average (statistically) we would be leaning towards one behaviour preference more than the other. Years of cross-cultural research can help us prepare for potential challenges and help us understand various leadership styles which exist around the world.

The same behaviour may be interpreted completely differently by your teams. For example, in more egalitarian cultures (eg. Sweden, Denmark, Australia) a good manager may be the one who involves people in the conversations, in decision-making, into discussions about upcoming changes.

Identical behaviour, of asking the team members who are lower in the hierarchy about their opinions, may be perceived as weak in more hierarchical cultures (eg. Japan, China, Russia, France). In those cultures you may see more tendency to expect managers to be able to take responsibility and make decisions for their teams (“That’s why they’re managers, no? If I would be the one to make decisions, then I could be one!”).

Recommended reads:

What does effective communication mean?

Effective communication – how can you adapt your style?

Key characteristics of successful international People people

The value of silence in international work

Myth #9 – We are all humans after all – we want the same things and strive to achieve them in the same ways.

I will agree with the part that we are all humans. But otherwise, do we really want the same things? On the high level, perhaps yes. You know, happiness, success and all that. But does happiness look the same way for everyone? Does success mean the same thing for everyone? Do we go and work towards those in the same way? Are we motivated to achieve those by the same factors?

It turns out that in the international setting, the common sense is not always that common. It’s important  to try to pay closer attention as to what feels obvious to you, but may not be so obvious to others. To start with, think about what “a good manager”, “professional behaviour”, “respect” or “trust” mean to you. Then ask your friends and colleagues what it means for them and see what happens.

Professionalism and trust differ around the world

When common sense doesn’t feel that common

Myth #10 – There are so many regional differences, people differ on the individual level, so it’s not worth learning about cultures – everyone is different.

It is true. Everyone is different, has their own personality, hobbies, and a particular combination of life experiences. But who we are is not just our personality and preferences!

The society in which we grow up, as well as the job we do and friends we surround ourselves with, influence how we view the world – what we consider right or wrong, normal or not normal, common sense or weird. The fact that there are differences between people on the individual level does not mean that expanding your cultural knowledge and building your cultural competence are redundant.

They can help you make sense of those differences and help you be more effective when entering new cultures frequently.

The research is quite consistent and shows that despite of variations within a given society, there are differences in how people perceive the world on a more regional/societal level. Use that knowledge and research to ease yourself into the unknown new situations, but don’t take it in absolute (true-for-all vs not-true) values. Not every Polish person will be the same. Not every IT professional will be the same. But there are some trends that show up for these groups in academic studies, which you can use to be prepared for various scenarios.

Intra- and inter-cultural differences

healthy mind knowledge leadership tips
Previous StoryIntra- and inter-cultural differences
Next StoryThings to have in mind when accepting an assignment abroad

Related Articles:

  • dive-in-or-stay-confused-projectabroadblog
    D.I.V.E. in with awareness or stay confused
  • expat-identity-crisis-abroad-projectabroadblog
    Are you experiencing identity crisis while living abroad?

Author

Marta Zielińska

Hi, my name is Marta. I am combining my psychological, business and intercultural experience to offer advice on successful living and working across cultures. I believe that everything is possible for such an ambitious and talented person as yourself! With some exercises, self-reflection and new knowledge, you can grow your cultural intelligence and build a successful international career, mind and life.

Learn more

Recent Posts

  • D.I.V.E. in with awareness or stay confused
  • How to stay connected with family and friends when living abroad
  • Are you experiencing identity crisis while living abroad?
  • Temporary move which turned out to be a longer-term international adventure – Claudia’s Spanish story
  • I knew I should expect something different – a story of an American teacher-turned-writer in Spain

Instagram

It won’t always be like that. #mayonthemove2022 - Words of Wisdom

Those of you who follow me for a while will know this one. It’s a saying that my friend’s grandma used to tell and it resonated powerfully with me. 

💪 It motivates me to power through the tough times, reminding me that it won’t always be like that. 
It won’t always be difficult, the bad times will pass as well. 

🧘‍♀️It also keeps me grounded. It won’t always be like that so appreciate what you have, express gratitude for all the good in your life each day, seize the good moments that happen. 

 #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
It won’t always be like that. #mayonthemove2022 - Words of Wisdom Those of you who follow me for a while will know this one. It’s a saying that my friend’s grandma used to tell and it resonated powerfully with me. 💪 It motivates me to power through the tough times, reminding me that it won’t always be like that. It won’t always be difficult, the bad times will pass as well. 🧘‍♀️It also keeps me grounded. It won’t always be like that so appreciate what you have, express gratitude for all the good in your life each day, seize the good moments that happen. #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
It can be SOO easy to fall into the trap of other people's expectations of what it's like living abroad and showing that 'expected' life in social media. ⁠
You know, the working-from-the-beach, the seeing-the-world, the earning-lots-of-money, the living-your-life stuff. 🙄⁠
⁠
But - - we all know that while we chose a life abroad for a reason, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. 🦄⁠
⁠
It's simply life. ⁠
⁠
With its ups and downs. ⁠
⁠
And yes, we may choose to only show nice bits of it here on Instagram. But just make sure that you do take the time to build those truly nice moments abroad, versus just trying to meet expectations of how others think you should live.⁠
⁠
If you're stuck - you know where to find me 😊 ⁠
(in case you don't - simply DM me here!)⁠
⁠
⁠
#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
It can be SOO easy to fall into the trap of other people's expectations of what it's like living abroad and showing that 'expected' life in social media. ⁠ You know, the working-from-the-beach, the seeing-the-world, the earning-lots-of-money, the living-your-life stuff. 🙄⁠ ⁠ But - - we all know that while we chose a life abroad for a reason, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. 🦄⁠ ⁠ It's simply life. ⁠ ⁠ With its ups and downs. ⁠ ⁠ And yes, we may choose to only show nice bits of it here on Instagram. But just make sure that you do take the time to build those truly nice moments abroad, versus just trying to meet expectations of how others think you should live.⁠ ⁠ If you're stuck - you know where to find me 😊 ⁠ (in case you don't - simply DM me here!)⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
We each have different thresholds of how much stress we can take. 
#mayonthemove2022 

It’s sometimes easy to judge others or yourself in situations of stress overwhelm. 

There was a time when I burst into tears in the middle of a workshop role play. 
And a time when during a company event I stood on the side counting minutes until I can leave. 
And a time when I was speaking and acting very fast. 
And a time when I made a mistake.

I’ve heard phrases like
“Unprofessional”…
“Immature”…
“Anti-social”…
“Too sensitive”…
I was told to “learn to prioritise” and “control my emotions to be like a swan who swims smoothly on the surface but moves its legs fast under the water surface”. 

When I was being told the above things, these particular people didn’t ask how I am, what’s going on, or how they can support me 🤷‍♀️

Can you guess what time of my life these examples come from? Yep, this all happened within the first three months of my move abroad. Not to say that it can’t happen in any other scenario, but for me that was a particularly stressful period of time.

Too many changes at once, too many stressors, too many transitions, a lot of new stimuli, and work pressures added on top of that. 

There’s a limit as to how much we can all take on. 

At some point the smallest additional pressures can feel like unbearable burdens. We can get more anxious and more easily triggered. 

And it’s great if we then have the opportunity to regulate these emotions in a safe and supportive space with colleagues or friends. Instead of suppressing them and pretending that it’s all ok. 

I was lucky enough to meet also these supportive people on my way 🙂 

What are some unhelpful things you’ve heard from people in stressful moments? Let’s craft an “anti-guide” together! 

#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
We each have different thresholds of how much stress we can take. #mayonthemove2022 It’s sometimes easy to judge others or yourself in situations of stress overwhelm. There was a time when I burst into tears in the middle of a workshop role play. And a time when during a company event I stood on the side counting minutes until I can leave. And a time when I was speaking and acting very fast. And a time when I made a mistake. I’ve heard phrases like “Unprofessional”… “Immature”… “Anti-social”… “Too sensitive”… I was told to “learn to prioritise” and “control my emotions to be like a swan who swims smoothly on the surface but moves its legs fast under the water surface”. When I was being told the above things, these particular people didn’t ask how I am, what’s going on, or how they can support me 🤷‍♀️ Can you guess what time of my life these examples come from? Yep, this all happened within the first three months of my move abroad. Not to say that it can’t happen in any other scenario, but for me that was a particularly stressful period of time. Too many changes at once, too many stressors, too many transitions, a lot of new stimuli, and work pressures added on top of that. There’s a limit as to how much we can all take on. At some point the smallest additional pressures can feel like unbearable burdens. We can get more anxious and more easily triggered. And it’s great if we then have the opportunity to regulate these emotions in a safe and supportive space with colleagues or friends. Instead of suppressing them and pretending that it’s all ok. I was lucky enough to meet also these supportive people on my way 🙂 What are some unhelpful things you’ve heard from people in stressful moments? Let’s craft an “anti-guide” together! #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Isn’t it a delightful discovery when you find some extra change in the pocket of the spring jacket you’ve just taken out of the wardrobe after a long winter?
#mayonthemove2022 

Ok, admittedly, today’s prompt took me to a funny place! 🙈

First thing that came to my mind was about that jacket. Likely because I’ve recently organised my wardrobe and have had such delightful discovery of a 5£ note in my pocket! Only a good excuse to take someone out for a walk and a nice coffee! ❤️

You know what’s NOT a delightful discovery of this kind though, that I hated when I was at school? Finding an old rotten banana in the backpack after the whole summer break while preparing for the first day of school again! Please tell me I was not the only one… 

Ok, I’ll stop now 😅 
What was your delightful discovery recently?

#expatlife #mindwonders #lifeabroad #livingabroad #workingabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #personalgrowth #reflectiontime #funnythoughts
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
Isn’t it a delightful discovery when you find some extra change in the pocket of the spring jacket you’ve just taken out of the wardrobe after a long winter? #mayonthemove2022 Ok, admittedly, today’s prompt took me to a funny place! 🙈 First thing that came to my mind was about that jacket. Likely because I’ve recently organised my wardrobe and have had such delightful discovery of a 5£ note in my pocket! Only a good excuse to take someone out for a walk and a nice coffee! ❤️ You know what’s NOT a delightful discovery of this kind though, that I hated when I was at school? Finding an old rotten banana in the backpack after the whole summer break while preparing for the first day of school again! Please tell me I was not the only one… Ok, I’ll stop now 😅 What was your delightful discovery recently? #expatlife #mindwonders #lifeabroad #livingabroad #workingabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #personalgrowth #reflectiontime #funnythoughts
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Country Borders are an artificial concept, and yet they have so much impact on how the world functions.
#mayonthemove2022 

✍️So many borders in the world have been created by some guys drawing a line on a map. 

🏔Others have been agreed to run alongside rivers or mountains. 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👦They’re supposed to facilitate functioning of societies with similar cultural backgrounds, to follow similar laws and ways of living, and create a sense of belonging. That sense of belonging though can also escalate with the “us” and “them” mentality. 

Yet still, there are so many social groups within these country borders who are marginalised, or are actually historically closer to another society just on the other side of that border. 

I don’t have any conclusion to these thoughts today, really. 🤷‍♀️ It’s just another thought-provoking prompt from @thefrustratednester and @mother_city_time who are the authors of #mayonthemove2022 challenge, so thank you for that!

📚I do have a super interesting read to recommend though, really worth a read! It’s “Prisoners of geography” by Tim Marshall - it explains how geographical location of a society/country impacts its history, and was an eye opening read for me.

#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
Country Borders are an artificial concept, and yet they have so much impact on how the world functions. #mayonthemove2022 ✍️So many borders in the world have been created by some guys drawing a line on a map. 🏔Others have been agreed to run alongside rivers or mountains. 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦They’re supposed to facilitate functioning of societies with similar cultural backgrounds, to follow similar laws and ways of living, and create a sense of belonging. That sense of belonging though can also escalate with the “us” and “them” mentality. Yet still, there are so many social groups within these country borders who are marginalised, or are actually historically closer to another society just on the other side of that border. I don’t have any conclusion to these thoughts today, really. 🤷‍♀️ It’s just another thought-provoking prompt from @thefrustratednester and @mother_city_time who are the authors of #mayonthemove2022 challenge, so thank you for that! 📚I do have a super interesting read to recommend though, really worth a read! It’s “Prisoners of geography” by Tim Marshall - it explains how geographical location of a society/country impacts its history, and was an eye opening read for me. #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Challenge is a way to grow, but too much challenge can be overwhelming. 
#mayonthemove2022 

Is it obvious? For some of us, perhaps 🤷‍♀️ But for many of us it’s a useful reminder every once in a while. 

We are surrounded by messages encouraging us to be ambitious, develop, challenge ourselves, go outside of our comfort zone. Even mindfulness or self-care activities are featured as “30-day challenges”! 🙈

It can be a nice motivator when we need that kind of push and they can be quite effective as well in helping us build new habits.

👉 Too little challenge can be demotivating, boring. Too much challenge can generate excessive stress. 

I know that I’ve been on both sides for sure. And that “too much” one was not fun at all. 
But I’ve also been in the optimal challenge levels too when I was growing and learning new skills, fulfilling my ambitions, and having lots of satisfaction along the way. 

The latest one was when I needed to discuss with my leadership a change idea that I was passionate about, and get their buy-in. Being in the middle, all eyes on me, ideas challenged and questions asked was challenging for me of course, but I was prepared, had well thought through argumentation and was open to listen to their suggestions to find the best possible way forward. 

I invite you to listen to your body and analyse your thoughts around challenging situations. They can be a super helpful source of information which can help you find the sweet spot of the optimal challenge when you need it, but also to retreat when you feel it’s too much. 

👂What was one recent situation where you were challenged just enough and grew through the experience?

#expatlife #lifeabroad #expatchallenges #selfawareness #selfdevelopment #selfcare #personaldevelopment #globallife #globalleadership
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
Challenge is a way to grow, but too much challenge can be overwhelming. #mayonthemove2022 Is it obvious? For some of us, perhaps 🤷‍♀️ But for many of us it’s a useful reminder every once in a while. We are surrounded by messages encouraging us to be ambitious, develop, challenge ourselves, go outside of our comfort zone. Even mindfulness or self-care activities are featured as “30-day challenges”! 🙈 It can be a nice motivator when we need that kind of push and they can be quite effective as well in helping us build new habits. 👉 Too little challenge can be demotivating, boring. Too much challenge can generate excessive stress. I know that I’ve been on both sides for sure. And that “too much” one was not fun at all. But I’ve also been in the optimal challenge levels too when I was growing and learning new skills, fulfilling my ambitions, and having lots of satisfaction along the way. The latest one was when I needed to discuss with my leadership a change idea that I was passionate about, and get their buy-in. Being in the middle, all eyes on me, ideas challenged and questions asked was challenging for me of course, but I was prepared, had well thought through argumentation and was open to listen to their suggestions to find the best possible way forward. I invite you to listen to your body and analyse your thoughts around challenging situations. They can be a super helpful source of information which can help you find the sweet spot of the optimal challenge when you need it, but also to retreat when you feel it’s too much. 👂What was one recent situation where you were challenged just enough and grew through the experience? #expatlife #lifeabroad #expatchallenges #selfawareness #selfdevelopment #selfcare #personaldevelopment #globallife #globalleadership
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
A day in... is not something I mind at all.
#mayonthemove2022 

I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. 

When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down".

A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes:
☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too
👗Organising things in the house
Watching a lighthearted movie
🥗Having a nice meal
✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts
📖Reading a book
In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities.

What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it?

 #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
A day in... is not something I mind at all.
#mayonthemove2022 

I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. 

When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down".

A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes:
☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too
👗Organising things in the house
Watching a lighthearted movie
🥗Having a nice meal
✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts
📖Reading a book
In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities.

What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it?

 #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
A day in... is not something I mind at all.
#mayonthemove2022 

I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. 

When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down".

A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes:
☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too
👗Organising things in the house
Watching a lighthearted movie
🥗Having a nice meal
✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts
📖Reading a book
In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities.

What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it?

 #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
A day in... is not something I mind at all.
#mayonthemove2022 

I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. 

When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down".

A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes:
☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too
👗Organising things in the house
Watching a lighthearted movie
🥗Having a nice meal
✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts
📖Reading a book
In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities.

What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it?

 #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
A day in... is not something I mind at all. #mayonthemove2022 I consider myself to be very close towards the introvert side of the scale. I like to be around people, but preferably smaller groups for more meaningful discussions. After a night out or big events or concerts (and there really aren't so many these days 😃) I need the time to recharge. When pandemic started, internet got full of funny memes about that of course - I love internet in the moments of crisis, it has its bad sides in general but was really cheering me up when the world first "locked-down". A perfect solitary recharging day-in includes: ☕️Coffee - preferably with something sweet too 👗Organising things in the house Watching a lighthearted movie 🥗Having a nice meal ✍️Writing something for you guys for the blog, newsletter or instagram posts 📖Reading a book In short - lots of relaxing and self-care activities. What about you? If you have a day in, how do you like to spend it? #expatlife #introvertlife #introvertexpat #livingabroad #movingabroad #lifeabroad #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #culturalawareness #polacyzagranica #polacynaemigracji
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
And it requires a conscious effort to open them as well - it won't happen on its own! You're in charge of opening your mind :) ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #leadershipmotivation
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
And it requires a conscious effort to open them as well - it won't happen on its own! You're in charge of opening your mind :) ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #leadershipmotivation
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
This is me, now #mayonthemove2022

Very excited to be taking part in this connectivity initiative once again 🙂 
I'm a psychologist, coach and trainer. Basically – I love working with people and seeing them grow😊
By day, I work full time as People & Culture Partner in a scale-up company. In evenings and weekends I run Project Abroad to help expats understand the cultures they're working with, how their own cultural background impacts their expat experience, and (most importantly) what they can do about it to make their experience more comfortable.

🤩I deeply care about you not just having 'an ok experience' abroad.  
I want you to really achieve the goals you have set for yourself abroad. And feel confident in the process! 
  
🤩I am practical and structured about approaching challenges.  
People I coach often come to me with a whole lot of thoughts, doubts, challenges and feelings. Confused about what is causing them to feel like this, or what to do next. Step by step we untangle these, make sense of the experience and create a tangible plan to move their lives forward. 
  
🤩I see value in learning about cultural dimensions for personal development. 
This knowledge helps you understand where some of the frustrations may be coming from. It helps you gain more self-awareness and identify the similarities you can build on when working internationally. It's a great starting point to a conversation about adaptation to a new place as well as increasing the feeling of confidence and belonging to the new location.

🤩I believe that if you're aware of something, you can do something about it.
Self-awareness for me is the first step to any transition, be it moving to another country, starting a new job or moving to the next phase of life. If you're not aware of what the underlying issue is, you can't really do much about it. But when you shine some light on it, everything seems more achievable. 

🚶‍♀️In my spare time I walk a lot, every day, with an audiobook or podcast in my ears. 
✍️My recent lockdown hobby also includes colour pencil drawing.

#expatcoach #livingabroad #lifeabroad #polacyzagranica #polishexpats #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife
This is me, now #mayonthemove2022

Very excited to be taking part in this connectivity initiative once again 🙂 
I'm a psychologist, coach and trainer. Basically – I love working with people and seeing them grow😊
By day, I work full time as People & Culture Partner in a scale-up company. In evenings and weekends I run Project Abroad to help expats understand the cultures they're working with, how their own cultural background impacts their expat experience, and (most importantly) what they can do about it to make their experience more comfortable.

🤩I deeply care about you not just having 'an ok experience' abroad.  
I want you to really achieve the goals you have set for yourself abroad. And feel confident in the process! 
  
🤩I am practical and structured about approaching challenges.  
People I coach often come to me with a whole lot of thoughts, doubts, challenges and feelings. Confused about what is causing them to feel like this, or what to do next. Step by step we untangle these, make sense of the experience and create a tangible plan to move their lives forward. 
  
🤩I see value in learning about cultural dimensions for personal development. 
This knowledge helps you understand where some of the frustrations may be coming from. It helps you gain more self-awareness and identify the similarities you can build on when working internationally. It's a great starting point to a conversation about adaptation to a new place as well as increasing the feeling of confidence and belonging to the new location.

🤩I believe that if you're aware of something, you can do something about it.
Self-awareness for me is the first step to any transition, be it moving to another country, starting a new job or moving to the next phase of life. If you're not aware of what the underlying issue is, you can't really do much about it. But when you shine some light on it, everything seems more achievable. 

🚶‍♀️In my spare time I walk a lot, every day, with an audiobook or podcast in my ears. 
✍️My recent lockdown hobby also includes colour pencil drawing.

#expatcoach #livingabroad #lifeabroad #polacyzagranica #polishexpats #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife
This is me, now #mayonthemove2022

Very excited to be taking part in this connectivity initiative once again 🙂 
I'm a psychologist, coach and trainer. Basically – I love working with people and seeing them grow😊
By day, I work full time as People & Culture Partner in a scale-up company. In evenings and weekends I run Project Abroad to help expats understand the cultures they're working with, how their own cultural background impacts their expat experience, and (most importantly) what they can do about it to make their experience more comfortable.

🤩I deeply care about you not just having 'an ok experience' abroad.  
I want you to really achieve the goals you have set for yourself abroad. And feel confident in the process! 
  
🤩I am practical and structured about approaching challenges.  
People I coach often come to me with a whole lot of thoughts, doubts, challenges and feelings. Confused about what is causing them to feel like this, or what to do next. Step by step we untangle these, make sense of the experience and create a tangible plan to move their lives forward. 
  
🤩I see value in learning about cultural dimensions for personal development. 
This knowledge helps you understand where some of the frustrations may be coming from. It helps you gain more self-awareness and identify the similarities you can build on when working internationally. It's a great starting point to a conversation about adaptation to a new place as well as increasing the feeling of confidence and belonging to the new location.

🤩I believe that if you're aware of something, you can do something about it.
Self-awareness for me is the first step to any transition, be it moving to another country, starting a new job or moving to the next phase of life. If you're not aware of what the underlying issue is, you can't really do much about it. But when you shine some light on it, everything seems more achievable. 

🚶‍♀️In my spare time I walk a lot, every day, with an audiobook or podcast in my ears. 
✍️My recent lockdown hobby also includes colour pencil drawing.

#expatcoach #livingabroad #lifeabroad #polacyzagranica #polishexpats #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
This is me, now #mayonthemove2022 Very excited to be taking part in this connectivity initiative once again 🙂 I'm a psychologist, coach and trainer. Basically – I love working with people and seeing them grow😊 By day, I work full time as People & Culture Partner in a scale-up company. In evenings and weekends I run Project Abroad to help expats understand the cultures they're working with, how their own cultural background impacts their expat experience, and (most importantly) what they can do about it to make their experience more comfortable. 🤩I deeply care about you not just having 'an ok experience' abroad.  I want you to really achieve the goals you have set for yourself abroad. And feel confident in the process!   🤩I am practical and structured about approaching challenges.  People I coach often come to me with a whole lot of thoughts, doubts, challenges and feelings. Confused about what is causing them to feel like this, or what to do next. Step by step we untangle these, make sense of the experience and create a tangible plan to move their lives forward.   🤩I see value in learning about cultural dimensions for personal development. This knowledge helps you understand where some of the frustrations may be coming from. It helps you gain more self-awareness and identify the similarities you can build on when working internationally. It's a great starting point to a conversation about adaptation to a new place as well as increasing the feeling of confidence and belonging to the new location. 🤩I believe that if you're aware of something, you can do something about it. Self-awareness for me is the first step to any transition, be it moving to another country, starting a new job or moving to the next phase of life. If you're not aware of what the underlying issue is, you can't really do much about it. But when you shine some light on it, everything seems more achievable. 🚶‍♀️In my spare time I walk a lot, every day, with an audiobook or podcast in my ears. ✍️My recent lockdown hobby also includes colour pencil drawing. #expatcoach #livingabroad #lifeabroad #polacyzagranica #polishexpats #careerabroad #globalcareer #globallife
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram

ProjectAbroad on Facebook

Project Abroad

 

PRIVACY POLICY

© Copyright Project Abroad 2016. Designed and cared by Kasia Aleszczyk