site logo
  • Home
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Expat life
  • About
  • Contact
Homepage > Business > What does effective communication mean?
August 17, 2019 In Business

What does effective communication mean?

what-does-effective-communication-mean-projectabroadblog

So often in the annual performance reviews or even just day-to-day conversations people receive feedback that they should work on improving their communication skills. But what does that really mean? And does it mean the same thing around the world?

We all have our own personal preferences of how we speak, what channels of communication we prefer, what words work for us and which ones don’t. On top of that, we grew up in a certain household, with certain experiences and in a certain society and culture. All those factors cannot be omitted when speaking about effective communication.

Something to have in mind is that many leadership and management books come from the so-called ‘western’ world, with vast majority written in various US locations and business schools. When speaking about a good leadership those often point out qualities such as ‘trustworthy’, ‘effective communicator’ or ‘respectful’. Problem is, the tips and advice on how to develop those qualities and how to come across as that, are often set in a highly individualistic US society’s context.  They do not necessarily guarantee success in some other places in the world or when working with people from other backgrounds.

Because… what do you actually need to do to be effective, trustworthy or respectful? Well, the ways to achieve that may vary a lot.

You might also like:

What to expect when working with Polish people?

What do you need to take into account when reflecting on effective communication?

  • What words do you use?
  • Who can you reach out to directly? (can you speak directly to a person higher in the hierarchy? or without consulting with your manager?)
  • Who can you ask for advice and input when making decisions?  (no-one? colleagues on the same level? your team members?)
  • Where are the decisions made?  (in the business meetings in offices? outside in the restaurants? in the senior meetings for which you only put forward your proposal?)
  • How do you express your opinions and where? (is everyone welcome to add in their points of view? are you able to publically disagree? if there are more senior people in the room do you have a voice?)
  • When presenting a product or idea what type of content has the biggest value for the decision-making process? (should the presentation be more fact-based? should it focus more on emotions, usability and connection with the product? should your presentation be structured top down (inductive) to start from key message and applications to supporting points, or maybe bottom-up (deductive) to build the argumentation from the supporting thoughts to arrive at the final conclusion at the end)

The above points should not be understood only in the context of country cultures. There surely are some differences on a society and statistical level in terms of what behaviours and attitudes people consider ‘normal’, but you may find yourself entering a completely different culture when starting a job in a new company, working with a certain client and with specific individuals who each have their own history. The key is to build your communication toolkit so that you can feel comfortable in multiple contexts while still staying true to yourself.

What is the key to deciphering which style would be most effective?

It’s important to realise your own style first and the tendencies you naturally have in your communication. If you are working with people whose style is vastly different from yours, you can then slowly start decoding which aspects of those differences tend to be most challenging and hinder your effectiveness.

For example, let’s say you know you tend to be very direct and are not usually holding off the criticism regardless of whether you are in a group or not. You may start noticing that people stop sharing ideas with you or take meetings without you and the decisions are being made separately. Turns out they maybe treated the criticism personally, as if you were criticising them and not just the ideas; maybe they think harmony of the group is more important during a meeting and they prefer to share negative feedback in other more anonymous ways?

Would you continue with your behaviour if you knew that?

I’m guessing not, and you will want to adapt your style to ensure your points are still taken into consideration while at the same time not compromising positive working relationships with your colleagues.

Once those gaps are identified you can practice awareness and start working on developing an alternative communication strategies which seem more appropriate when working with this given person or group of people.

The thing to have in mind is the common goal you and the other person have. Maybe it’s a project you need to complete together, maybe just one task, maybe you work together in a long-term team and just have to find a way to get on.

Remember that the intention of your co-workers in most cases is positive and you can likely label it with the same general headings of “I want this meeting to be productive”, “I want to build good and trusting working relationships” or “I want the team to be motivated”. However how you achieve those may differ, and the key is to know your own and your colleagues’ working preferences to ensure that the relationship is perceived as ‘good’, ‘trusting’ and ‘effective’ by both sides.

communication corporate life leadership tips
Previous StoryCultures evolve, but slowly
Next StoryEffective communication – how can you adapt your style?

Related Articles:

  • dive-in-or-stay-confused-projectabroadblog
    D.I.V.E. in with awareness or stay confused
  • culture-shock-adaptation-stages-projectabroadblog-marta-zielinska
    Culture shock – how to recognise it and what to do about it

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

  • Is moving abroad a good choice?
  • 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

Instagram

It's important to remember that not everyone has lived abroad. This is equally relevant for expats and people who work with expats too.☝️⁠
⁠
👉If you're an expat, acknowledging this can bring more patience into dealing with intercultural challenges you encounter. ⁠
⁠
You may not understand all the cultural aspects of your new reality, but similarly, people around you may not be familiar with your background! ⁠
⁠
It can also give you more courage to share what things are like where you come from or to ask some basic-sounding questions about the new location.⁠
⁠
👉If on the other hand you haven't lived abroad yourself, but work with people who are expats, acknowledging this can help you be more understanding and humble towards people you work with. ⁠
⁠
For example, the amount of questions that seem obvious to you but the expat needs answers to, in order to understand the new context. ⁠
⁠
It also gives you the opportunity to reciprocate with questions and learn things that you may not even have know interest you about the other person's culture!⁠
⁠
⁠
So a question for you today is - what have you recently learnt from a person you work with, who comes from a different cultural background? 🤔⁠
⁠
⁠
#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's important to remember that not everyone has lived abroad. This is equally relevant for expats and people who work with expats too.☝️⁠ ⁠ 👉If you're an expat, acknowledging this can bring more patience into dealing with intercultural challenges you encounter. ⁠ ⁠ You may not understand all the cultural aspects of your new reality, but similarly, people around you may not be familiar with your background! ⁠ ⁠ It can also give you more courage to share what things are like where you come from or to ask some basic-sounding questions about the new location.⁠ ⁠ 👉If on the other hand you haven't lived abroad yourself, but work with people who are expats, acknowledging this can help you be more understanding and humble towards people you work with. ⁠ ⁠ For example, the amount of questions that seem obvious to you but the expat needs answers to, in order to understand the new context. ⁠ ⁠ It also gives you the opportunity to reciprocate with questions and learn things that you may not even have know interest you about the other person's culture!⁠ ⁠ ⁠ So a question for you today is - what have you recently learnt from a person you work with, who comes from a different cultural background? 🤔⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #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
Oh the summertime... (for us in the northern hemisphere at least!)⁠
⁠
Nice holidays, visiting new places, soaking in the sun, or the mountains or wherever you like to relax... ⁠
⁠
Or... wait. But what if we have to choose between visiting home and going someplace new for holidays? What if we only get the 4 weeks of time off work and that's it? ⁠🤷‍♀️😞
⁠
Have you ever felt the guilt when choosing a new holiday destination instead of spending that extra week back home with family? Or worse, have you ever heard comments from your family that made you feel guilty of that?⁠🙄
⁠
Well, for many of us it's the reality of life abroad. And it's tough. But it's also about choices and setting expectations. ⁠
⁠
One thing to remember is that phones work both ways, planes fly both directions too. You don't always need to be the one making the tough choices. ⁠
⁠
I get it, there are people who can't make the trip, maybe they're ill etc. But it's likely not all of your friends and family back home ☺️ You don’t need to take the whole blame. 

Share it with someone who may need that reminder today! 🤩
⁠
#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 #settingboundaries #selfhelp #selfcare
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
Oh the summertime... (for us in the northern hemisphere at least!)⁠ ⁠ Nice holidays, visiting new places, soaking in the sun, or the mountains or wherever you like to relax... ⁠ ⁠ Or... wait. But what if we have to choose between visiting home and going someplace new for holidays? What if we only get the 4 weeks of time off work and that's it? ⁠🤷‍♀️😞 ⁠ Have you ever felt the guilt when choosing a new holiday destination instead of spending that extra week back home with family? Or worse, have you ever heard comments from your family that made you feel guilty of that?⁠🙄 ⁠ Well, for many of us it's the reality of life abroad. And it's tough. But it's also about choices and setting expectations. ⁠ ⁠ One thing to remember is that phones work both ways, planes fly both directions too. You don't always need to be the one making the tough choices. ⁠ ⁠ I get it, there are people who can't make the trip, maybe they're ill etc. But it's likely not all of your friends and family back home ☺️ You don’t need to take the whole blame. Share it with someone who may need that reminder today! 🤩 ⁠ #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 #settingboundaries #selfhelp #selfcare
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
When we move abroad, often we experience an overwhelm of emotions and personal transformations. With a new job or role we've taken on as well, we want to perform and prove that leadership made the right choice in offering us this assignment abroad. ⁠
⁠
Ooph! High stakes. 😬⁠
⁠
But when we're unfamiliar with the new culture and/or didn't work on our cultural competences much before, we're likely to see a dip in our productivity. ⁠
⁠
And worse - we may get annoyed at ourselves and put even more pressure on, thinking we SHOULD be able to handle this. ⁠
⁠
Sounds familiar? 🙈⁠
⁠
Well, I'd say it's unreasonable, and maybe even dangerous to expect that you would be performing at equally high level in such a transitional time impacting your mental wellbeing. ⁠
⁠
👉The key is to re-calibrate what success looks like. ⁠
⁠
🤷‍♀️Maybe it's a success that you've completed a meeting in a whole new language without needing a translator. ⁠
⁠
🤷‍♀️Or maybe it's that you've simply delivered on the basics of what was expected of you. ⁠
⁠
🤷‍♀️Or maybe it's that you have gotten out of bed (if it's that bad though, make sure to seek professional help when needed!). ⁠
⁠
"Cut yourself some slack", as they say, and adjust your expectations to the context. Life will get so much easier that way and you'll create the breathing space for you to learn, soak in the new experiences and grow!⁠

📬Sign up to the newsletter to download a workbook which will help you set your goals in the broader context of your needs in the life abroad. 
⁠
#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
When we move abroad, often we experience an overwhelm of emotions and personal transformations. With a new job or role we've taken on as well, we want to perform and prove that leadership made the right choice in offering us this assignment abroad. ⁠ ⁠ Ooph! High stakes. 😬⁠ ⁠ But when we're unfamiliar with the new culture and/or didn't work on our cultural competences much before, we're likely to see a dip in our productivity. ⁠ ⁠ And worse - we may get annoyed at ourselves and put even more pressure on, thinking we SHOULD be able to handle this. ⁠ ⁠ Sounds familiar? 🙈⁠ ⁠ Well, I'd say it's unreasonable, and maybe even dangerous to expect that you would be performing at equally high level in such a transitional time impacting your mental wellbeing. ⁠ ⁠ 👉The key is to re-calibrate what success looks like. ⁠ ⁠ 🤷‍♀️Maybe it's a success that you've completed a meeting in a whole new language without needing a translator. ⁠ ⁠ 🤷‍♀️Or maybe it's that you've simply delivered on the basics of what was expected of you. ⁠ ⁠ 🤷‍♀️Or maybe it's that you have gotten out of bed (if it's that bad though, make sure to seek professional help when needed!). ⁠ ⁠ "Cut yourself some slack", as they say, and adjust your expectations to the context. Life will get so much easier that way and you'll create the breathing space for you to learn, soak in the new experiences and grow!⁠ 📬Sign up to the newsletter to download a workbook which will help you set your goals in the broader context of your needs in the life abroad. ⁠ #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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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
#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 |
4/9
What's cultural intelligence? In short, it's an ability to be effective in various cultural contexts. To do that you need four competences:⁠
👍Openness to a different perspective (CQ Drive)⁠
👍Understanding of that other perspective (CQ Knowledge)⁠
👍Strategy to work together in spite of the differences (CQ Strategy)⁠
👍Flexibility to stick with our core and not losing ourselves in the process while also being effective and achieving the set goals (CQ Action)⁠
⁠
So - what can this look like in practice? ⁠
⁠
One of my coachees was Chinese and moved to the UK. He was challenged by the pace of the conversation here and the lack of space for him to speak up in meetings. The feedback he quickly started getting was that he needs to speak up more in meetings and contribute. ⁠
⁠
Was it that he was unable to contribute ideas or literally speak up? 🤷No. It was more around the level of comfort, feeling that it's "wrong" to interrupt others or not to leave space before when one person speaks and the other starts. It was an internal struggle. So while it sound like a simple "just speak up!" 🙄solution, when we talk about intercultural adaptation, a lot of internal work goes into it. ⁠
⁠
How did he overcome his challenge? 🤔⁠
⁠
He was motivated to exploring the UK culture and learning more (Drive) and admitting that it's not 'stupid' or 'weird' but simply a different normal. ⁠
⁠
He learnt about cultural dimensions that may be at play here eg. hierarchy, directness of communication (Knowledge). ⁠
⁠
Then he planned for the next meeting and thought of ideas on how he can achieve his goal without compromising who he is (Strategy) ⁠
⁠
During the meeting decided to adapt some of his behaviours through taking the role of a scribe in a meeting.  This made him more comfortable to jump into the conversation while clarifying someone else's point when writing it down and adding some of his thoughts, since he already had the voice (Action). ⁠
⁠
Want to be more confident and comfortable when working across cultures? Follow for more!
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
What's cultural intelligence? In short, it's an ability to be effective in various cultural contexts. To do that you need four competences:⁠ 👍Openness to a different perspective (CQ Drive)⁠ 👍Understanding of that other perspective (CQ Knowledge)⁠ 👍Strategy to work together in spite of the differences (CQ Strategy)⁠ 👍Flexibility to stick with our core and not losing ourselves in the process while also being effective and achieving the set goals (CQ Action)⁠ ⁠ So - what can this look like in practice? ⁠ ⁠ One of my coachees was Chinese and moved to the UK. He was challenged by the pace of the conversation here and the lack of space for him to speak up in meetings. The feedback he quickly started getting was that he needs to speak up more in meetings and contribute. ⁠ ⁠ Was it that he was unable to contribute ideas or literally speak up? 🤷No. It was more around the level of comfort, feeling that it's "wrong" to interrupt others or not to leave space before when one person speaks and the other starts. It was an internal struggle. So while it sound like a simple "just speak up!" 🙄solution, when we talk about intercultural adaptation, a lot of internal work goes into it. ⁠ ⁠ How did he overcome his challenge? 🤔⁠ ⁠ He was motivated to exploring the UK culture and learning more (Drive) and admitting that it's not 'stupid' or 'weird' but simply a different normal. ⁠ ⁠ He learnt about cultural dimensions that may be at play here eg. hierarchy, directness of communication (Knowledge). ⁠ ⁠ Then he planned for the next meeting and thought of ideas on how he can achieve his goal without compromising who he is (Strategy) ⁠ ⁠ During the meeting decided to adapt some of his behaviours through taking the role of a scribe in a meeting. This made him more comfortable to jump into the conversation while clarifying someone else's point when writing it down and adding some of his thoughts, since he already had the voice (Action). ⁠ ⁠ Want to be more confident and comfortable when working across cultures? Follow for more!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
It's a question I was asking myself when I first moved abroad. Why?⁠
⁠
I moved to the UK together with my (also Polish) partner. The caveat initially though was that he couldn't move at the same time I did 🤷 and we were apart for just over a month before he could join me here. ⁠
⁠
A month may not sound like a lot of time, especially now that we have the context of the pandemic where I've seen many people be apart from their loved ones, partners and families for sooo much longer. ⁠
⁠
For me at the time though it was a lot and quite an overwhelming time. ⁠
We haven't been apart for that long ever since we started our relationship 4 years before. It was a vulnerable time because I was already going through the transition and adaptation, also juggling the logistics of moving and setting myself up as well as a new intense job. 

And all the emotional rollercoaster too of course. 

It was hard to explain in words sometimes but we tried to talk 'live' every day to stay connected. ⁠
⁠
I was asking myself - will we be able to go through that? How will this experience impact us? ⁠
⁠
And then he joined! What a joy! 😅 Well... those first few months were tough, because we were on different adaptation timelines! By the time he arrived I already have gone through some of the ups and downs and shocks and surprises and adaptations. Now he had his adaptation time himself. 🙈 It took us a good few months to align a bit and regulate our emotions.⁠
⁠
Spoiler alert: We made it through :)⁠
⁠
Each moving story is different. That's why I like hearing from you in conversations how you felt and how your move was. To learn different perspectives. To learn about your challenges. And to find solutions and ways forward 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 #polishcouple
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
It's a question I was asking myself when I first moved abroad. Why?⁠ ⁠ I moved to the UK together with my (also Polish) partner. The caveat initially though was that he couldn't move at the same time I did 🤷 and we were apart for just over a month before he could join me here. ⁠ ⁠ A month may not sound like a lot of time, especially now that we have the context of the pandemic where I've seen many people be apart from their loved ones, partners and families for sooo much longer. ⁠ ⁠ For me at the time though it was a lot and quite an overwhelming time. ⁠ We haven't been apart for that long ever since we started our relationship 4 years before. It was a vulnerable time because I was already going through the transition and adaptation, also juggling the logistics of moving and setting myself up as well as a new intense job. And all the emotional rollercoaster too of course. It was hard to explain in words sometimes but we tried to talk 'live' every day to stay connected. ⁠ ⁠ I was asking myself - will we be able to go through that? How will this experience impact us? ⁠ ⁠ And then he joined! What a joy! 😅 Well... those first few months were tough, because we were on different adaptation timelines! By the time he arrived I already have gone through some of the ups and downs and shocks and surprises and adaptations. Now he had his adaptation time himself. 🙈 It took us a good few months to align a bit and regulate our emotions.⁠ ⁠ Spoiler alert: We made it through :)⁠ ⁠ Each moving story is different. That's why I like hearing from you in conversations how you felt and how your move was. To learn different perspectives. To learn about your challenges. And to find solutions and ways forward 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 #polishcouple
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Not all bestsellers are great books, in my opinion. But this one? 100 times yes! This book made a huge impact on me and encouraged me to pursue the interest I had. 🤩⁠
⁠
In the later years of my (psychology) Masters degree I got interested in the intercultural psychology field. I've done my fair bit of reading and digging into it, and straight after finishing my studies I moved abroad to experience the expat life and more cultural diversity on my own skin. ⁠
⁠
During one of my first trips back home after moving, I noticed this book on the display (granted, marketers did a great job choosing the bright yellow for the cover 😄), read the description, bought it, and read it in no time. ⁠
⁠
What made such an impact on me was that it was full of practical, business examples on how increasing that self-awareness and expanding our toolkits can massively help us communicate and collaborate across cultures. 👉 With less frustration, with less misunderstandings, with more confidence and more fun! ⁠
⁠
It was not one of those research documents or hefty manuals I've encountered before, which were very academic and super interesting, but I wasn't sure how I can apply this to the business world.⁠
⁠
As I was reading the book, I was also reflecting on my own early experiences of moving abroad and entering a full British working environment. That made me put the two and two together, and I knew I wanted to pursue this topic and share those and further insights with other expats to help them feel more confident and comfortable when working across cultures as well. Project Abroad was born and the rest is history ☺️
⁠
🥰 What's a book that made and impact on your life recently? 🥰⁠
⁠
⁠
#expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #careerdevelopment #careerabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
Not all bestsellers are great books, in my opinion. But this one? 100 times yes! This book made a huge impact on me and encouraged me to pursue the interest I had. 🤩⁠ ⁠ In the later years of my (psychology) Masters degree I got interested in the intercultural psychology field. I've done my fair bit of reading and digging into it, and straight after finishing my studies I moved abroad to experience the expat life and more cultural diversity on my own skin. ⁠ ⁠ During one of my first trips back home after moving, I noticed this book on the display (granted, marketers did a great job choosing the bright yellow for the cover 😄), read the description, bought it, and read it in no time. ⁠ ⁠ What made such an impact on me was that it was full of practical, business examples on how increasing that self-awareness and expanding our toolkits can massively help us communicate and collaborate across cultures. 👉 With less frustration, with less misunderstandings, with more confidence and more fun! ⁠ ⁠ It was not one of those research documents or hefty manuals I've encountered before, which were very academic and super interesting, but I wasn't sure how I can apply this to the business world.⁠ ⁠ As I was reading the book, I was also reflecting on my own early experiences of moving abroad and entering a full British working environment. That made me put the two and two together, and I knew I wanted to pursue this topic and share those and further insights with other expats to help them feel more confident and comfortable when working across cultures as well. Project Abroad was born and the rest is history ☺️ ⁠ 🥰 What's a book that made and impact on your life recently? 🥰⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #expatcoaching #expatlife #livingabroad #careerdevelopment #careerabroad #expatcoach #workingabroad #lifeabroad #workabroad #internationallife #internationalcareer #globalcareer #globallife #globalleaders #culturalawareness #selfawareness #selfgrowth #personalgrowth #personaldevelopment #culturalcompetence #movingabroad #zyciezagranica #zycienaemigracji #pracazagranica #rozwojosobisty #polacyzagranica
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
If you're overwhelmed with uncertainty, you need to develop your resilience. ⁠
⁠
It's a set of skills that help you pivot, readjust and handle change and uncertainty. Those skills are: ⁠
🤩Emotional regulation⁠
🤩Impulse control⁠
🤩Optimism⁠
🤩Causal analysis⁠
🤩Empathy⁠
🤩Self-efficacy⁠
🤩Reaching out⁠
⁠
Good news is that there are strategies you can learn to grow and build on these skills! ⁠
Especially in the face of the constant change that happens around us, some intentional but some completely out of our control. All that while living abroad and not always being able to draw on our social support that we need.⁠
⁠
Drop the word 'RESILIENCE in my DMs if you want to:⁠
💪Understand the value of growing resilience skills and how they can improve your life quality abroad⁠
💪Fill up your toolkit with strategies you can apply regularly to work on your resilience skills⁠
💪Learn the triggers which put you in the overwhelm mode, where resilience skills can come in handy⁠
⁠
⁠Coaching can be a great tool to explore your current skills and build new ones - wanna give it a try? 😊⁠
⁠
⁠
#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 #buildingresilience #expatresilience #resilienceabroad
If you're overwhelmed with uncertainty, you need to develop your resilience. ⁠
⁠
It's a set of skills that help you pivot, readjust and handle change and uncertainty. Those skills are: ⁠
🤩Emotional regulation⁠
🤩Impulse control⁠
🤩Optimism⁠
🤩Causal analysis⁠
🤩Empathy⁠
🤩Self-efficacy⁠
🤩Reaching out⁠
⁠
Good news is that there are strategies you can learn to grow and build on these skills! ⁠
Especially in the face of the constant change that happens around us, some intentional but some completely out of our control. All that while living abroad and not always being able to draw on our social support that we need.⁠
⁠
Drop the word 'RESILIENCE in my DMs if you want to:⁠
💪Understand the value of growing resilience skills and how they can improve your life quality abroad⁠
💪Fill up your toolkit with strategies you can apply regularly to work on your resilience skills⁠
💪Learn the triggers which put you in the overwhelm mode, where resilience skills can come in handy⁠
⁠
⁠Coaching can be a great tool to explore your current skills and build new ones - wanna give it a try? 😊⁠
⁠
⁠
#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 #buildingresilience #expatresilience #resilienceabroad
If you're overwhelmed with uncertainty, you need to develop your resilience. ⁠
⁠
It's a set of skills that help you pivot, readjust and handle change and uncertainty. Those skills are: ⁠
🤩Emotional regulation⁠
🤩Impulse control⁠
🤩Optimism⁠
🤩Causal analysis⁠
🤩Empathy⁠
🤩Self-efficacy⁠
🤩Reaching out⁠
⁠
Good news is that there are strategies you can learn to grow and build on these skills! ⁠
Especially in the face of the constant change that happens around us, some intentional but some completely out of our control. All that while living abroad and not always being able to draw on our social support that we need.⁠
⁠
Drop the word 'RESILIENCE in my DMs if you want to:⁠
💪Understand the value of growing resilience skills and how they can improve your life quality abroad⁠
💪Fill up your toolkit with strategies you can apply regularly to work on your resilience skills⁠
💪Learn the triggers which put you in the overwhelm mode, where resilience skills can come in handy⁠
⁠
⁠Coaching can be a great tool to explore your current skills and build new ones - wanna give it a try? 😊⁠
⁠
⁠
#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 #buildingresilience #expatresilience #resilienceabroad
If you're overwhelmed with uncertainty, you need to develop your resilience. ⁠
⁠
It's a set of skills that help you pivot, readjust and handle change and uncertainty. Those skills are: ⁠
🤩Emotional regulation⁠
🤩Impulse control⁠
🤩Optimism⁠
🤩Causal analysis⁠
🤩Empathy⁠
🤩Self-efficacy⁠
🤩Reaching out⁠
⁠
Good news is that there are strategies you can learn to grow and build on these skills! ⁠
Especially in the face of the constant change that happens around us, some intentional but some completely out of our control. All that while living abroad and not always being able to draw on our social support that we need.⁠
⁠
Drop the word 'RESILIENCE in my DMs if you want to:⁠
💪Understand the value of growing resilience skills and how they can improve your life quality abroad⁠
💪Fill up your toolkit with strategies you can apply regularly to work on your resilience skills⁠
💪Learn the triggers which put you in the overwhelm mode, where resilience skills can come in handy⁠
⁠
⁠Coaching can be a great tool to explore your current skills and build new ones - wanna give it a try? 😊⁠
⁠
⁠
#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 #buildingresilience #expatresilience #resilienceabroad
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
If you're overwhelmed with uncertainty, you need to develop your resilience. ⁠ ⁠ It's a set of skills that help you pivot, readjust and handle change and uncertainty. Those skills are: ⁠ 🤩Emotional regulation⁠ 🤩Impulse control⁠ 🤩Optimism⁠ 🤩Causal analysis⁠ 🤩Empathy⁠ 🤩Self-efficacy⁠ 🤩Reaching out⁠ ⁠ Good news is that there are strategies you can learn to grow and build on these skills! ⁠ Especially in the face of the constant change that happens around us, some intentional but some completely out of our control. All that while living abroad and not always being able to draw on our social support that we need.⁠ ⁠ Drop the word 'RESILIENCE in my DMs if you want to:⁠ 💪Understand the value of growing resilience skills and how they can improve your life quality abroad⁠ 💪Fill up your toolkit with strategies you can apply regularly to work on your resilience skills⁠ 💪Learn the triggers which put you in the overwhelm mode, where resilience skills can come in handy⁠ ⁠ ⁠Coaching can be a great tool to explore your current skills and build new ones - wanna give it a try? 😊⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #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 #buildingresilience #expatresilience #resilienceabroad
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Speaking the language with ease. Oh the dream!⁠
#mayonthemove2022 ⁠
⁠
When I was moving to the UK I thought I was speaking good English already. “I’m good at English” was a part of my identity… “If anything will be challenging for me during this move” I thought, “it will not be the language” ⁠
⁠
Could I be more wrong? 🙄🙄🙄⁠
⁠
When I came out of the Luton Airport terminal, ready for my adventure, I couldn’t find the right bus to take me to the city. So I asked a member of staff where I can find it. From her answer I only understood “show”, “ticket” and saw her pointing her finger in the direction of the bus bay. ⁠
I found the bus, got on, and understood maybe 50% of the instructions the bus driver gave. ⁠
⁠
New accents: 1 - Marta: 0 😭⁠
⁠
With tears in my eyes, I continued the journey to my new home...⁠
⁠
At that point I wished I could speak English with ease. But I defined what that means incorrectly. ⁠
⁠
It wasn’t about not making mistakes or pretending I understood all that’s being said. ⁠
⁠
It really was about mindset work that needed to happen. To understand that I don’t need to have all the words, that as long as I manage to communicate it doesn’t always matter if I make a mistake, that I can ask for explanation, that if I put myself at ease a bit more and take off the pressure I can have a better experience overall. ⁠
⁠
Do you feel like you’re able to speak a non-native language at ease? What made you reach that “at ease” stage, if you have already?⁠
⁠
#expatlife #learninglanguages #expatchallenges #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #fittingin #speakinglanguages #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #selfawareness #growthmindset #mindsetwork #selfdevelopment #personalgrowth #culturalawareness
projectabroadblog
projectabroadblog
•
Follow
Speaking the language with ease. Oh the dream!⁠ #mayonthemove2022 ⁠ ⁠ When I was moving to the UK I thought I was speaking good English already. “I’m good at English” was a part of my identity… “If anything will be challenging for me during this move” I thought, “it will not be the language” ⁠ ⁠ Could I be more wrong? 🙄🙄🙄⁠ ⁠ When I came out of the Luton Airport terminal, ready for my adventure, I couldn’t find the right bus to take me to the city. So I asked a member of staff where I can find it. From her answer I only understood “show”, “ticket” and saw her pointing her finger in the direction of the bus bay. ⁠ I found the bus, got on, and understood maybe 50% of the instructions the bus driver gave. ⁠ ⁠ New accents: 1 - Marta: 0 😭⁠ ⁠ With tears in my eyes, I continued the journey to my new home...⁠ ⁠ At that point I wished I could speak English with ease. But I defined what that means incorrectly. ⁠ ⁠ It wasn’t about not making mistakes or pretending I understood all that’s being said. ⁠ ⁠ It really was about mindset work that needed to happen. To understand that I don’t need to have all the words, that as long as I manage to communicate it doesn’t always matter if I make a mistake, that I can ask for explanation, that if I put myself at ease a bit more and take off the pressure I can have a better experience overall. ⁠ ⁠ Do you feel like you’re able to speak a non-native language at ease? What made you reach that “at ease” stage, if you have already?⁠ ⁠ #expatlife #learninglanguages #expatchallenges #lifeabroad #workabroad #careerabroad #fittingin #speakinglanguages #globallife #internationallife #internationalcareer #selfawareness #growthmindset #mindsetwork #selfdevelopment #personalgrowth #culturalawareness
1 month 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