By Ethan Becker, author of Mastering Communication at Work

So you think you can do business internationally just because you send your employees overseas? You’ve sent your employees to the HR cross cultural class. They learned how to kiss, bow, and shake hands, and now you’re ready to do business internationally, right?

But … wait. Something’s wrong. Why isn’t your international business thriving? Why are you still running into problems with your international counterparts telling you “yes” one day and then not following through?

After working with clients in South East Asia since the 1990’s and living in Malaysia with my family for almost a year conducting research and coaching senior leaders of some of the largest organizations in the region, I’ve gained insight into this pesky long-lasting conundrum that so many international teams have faced: cross-cultural communication problems. Not only have I explored the communication psyche of the senior level executive, but I’ve also studied the perspectives of the multiple levels throughout the ranks. So my insight into this problem is well rounded. I’ll share the problem, and most importantly, how to help minimize it.

The Problem.

The cross-cultural communications problem is a breakdown in the meaning of verbal language and body language. Here are some examples: [...]