Similar brings us together
By its very nature, Korean facing business is the interaction of worldwide teams. This necessitates colleagues of different cultures working together on a daily basis. How we see others culturally is often in the differences and similarities. (I like to focus on the later; as differences pull us apart and similar brings us together. More effective, too.) Most old-school cross-culture books and program content dwell on sharing differences… so be wary. Particularly for U.S.-based western teams engaged in Korean operations, I believe in the importance of learning about the workplace in Korea—the 2018 norms, practices, and day-to-day life. These insights allow us to better understand our Korean teams and their expectations. Recognizing can dispel stereotyping, prejudices and ethnocentrism. Recognizing similarities is one of the most powerful cross-cultural bridges. In other words, to what can you relate in routine day-to-day life? This require...