The world of business is increasingly interconnected. Companies are leveraging offshore talent to boost their capabilities and achieve their strategic goals.
However, navigating the complexities of managing an offshore team, particularly when faced with language barriers, can be a challenge.
As a Fractional COO, I've witnessed firsthand how language and cultural differences can impact business operations within offshore teams.
Effective communication is beyond important, to ensuring operational efficiency and achieving positive outcomes.
This is the first of a two-part post where i'll talk about the impact of language on thought processes and communication.
Understanding these differences can dramatically improve your offshoring experience, especially when working with a Fractional COO who possesses the expertise to bridge the communication gap.
The Power of Language and Mindset:
It may seem obvious, but language profoundly shapes how we think and express ourselves.
This "sub-vocalisation" becomes even more apparent when collaborating across diverse cultures!
A Fractional COO like myself, with experience managing offshore teams, understands these nuances and can help you navigate potential communication pitfalls.
Let me give you an example: Working with Ukrainian Developers
A prime example comes from my experience working with a talented team of developers and engineers in Ukraine.
Their work ethic, dedication, and technical skills were truly beyond impressive.... However, the language barrier presented challenges that, for a while, had a big negative impact on the operational efficiency of the business.
During a visit in 2015, I gained valuable insights into Ukrainian history, culture, and especially, the people themselves. This broadened my understanding of their communication style and thought processes, which proved invaluable in optimising our collaboration.
I spent time with the teams both inside and outside of the office. I even took time to tour the city of Lviv with a Ukrainian historian. Which I can tell you, was super interesting!
Understanding Language Differences:
Here's a simplified breakdown of some key differences between English and Ukrainian (remember, I'm not a language expert!):
- Articles: English relies heavily on articles like "a," "the," and "an." Ukrainian doesn't use them extensively.
- Tenses: English has over 24 tenses. Ukrainian focuses on just three: past, present, and future. Sentence structure also plays a more significant role in conveying tense in Ukrainian, which is not the case in English.
- Sentence Structure: Ukrainian sentences tend to be shorter and more direct, with meaning heavily concentrated at the beginning and end. This can lead to misinterpretations of tone and impression in English translations.
A real-life example: Requesting a Server Reboot
A simple task highlighted the differences beautifully:
Native English speakers in the US, requesting the offshore team in Ukraine to reboot a server.
English: "Hi, I hope you're well? Can you please reboot server, ABC123 in DC2, Rack 12, U4. I need it done ASAP please. Thanks, Staff Member"
The same request, this time from the Ukrainian team to the US:
Ukrainian (interpreted literally): "Hello, Reboot ABC123 DC2 Rack 12U4. Staff Member"
This direct phrasing might and was misinterpreted as rude by the native English speakers. However, it's simply a reflection of the Ukrainian language structure and thought process.
As the operational lead, I helped bridge this communication gap by:
- Understanding Cultural Nuances: I took time to recognise these language-based communication differences and explain them to the team members.
- Facilitating Clear Communication: I established clear communication protocols and channels to ensure smooth information flow and minimise misunderstandings.
- Promoting Transparency: Fostered an environment of open communication, encouraging both teams to voice concerns and ask clarifying questions.
When each side of the conversation understands each other's points of view, there leaves little room for confusion. The teams work more cohesively. And the business, by proxy, operates more efficiently.
The Fractional COO Advantage:
By understanding these language nuances, a Fractional COO can significantly improve your offshoring experience. Their expertise in business operations and communication strategies can help streamline collaboration, optimise workflows, and ensure the project stays on track.
Coming Up in Part 2: Beyond "Sorry" - Leading Offshore Teams for Optimal Performance (Part 2)
We'll delve deeper into how language and communication styles impact leadership, team morale, and professional development in offshoring environments. We'll also explore strategies to bridge the communication gap and ensure a successful offshoring experience with the support of a Fractional COO.
Stay tuned!
