I'm at work and I just don’t understand why my co-worker is so introverted. She has been at the company for some time now. Is it me? I wonder, Is it because I am new. When I ask for her assistance she is helpful but that’s as far as it goes. She is of Indian descent. So I begin to further think about this. I realize I am not alone in my Americanized thinking.
Has anyone ever have a person at work that you feel you just can’t get along with? There pessimistic, they don't seem to listen or they don't speak much? What should you do?
Here are some suggestions
1. Get a basic understanding of this person. Something as simple as where they are from can help you understand their behavior.
A. Many Latin cultures are comfortable with 2 feet of personal space. In the US we are comfortable with 3-5 feet of space.
B. In the United States time is equivalent to money, however the Greeks believed in now not tomorrow.
2. Try to understand that people have different values, beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions. This will affect their behavior.
A. The next time someone seems too quite remember cultures such as the Japanese, and Indian value actions not words.
3. Last but not least remember some people are analytical. These people rely a great deal on logic. Holistic cultures rely more on intuition and their gut feelings. So don’t get frustrated when someone cannot make a vast decision.
Culture plays a huge role on an individual’s behavior. So before you concluded that a person is not an admirable employee, co-worker or friend, take the time to consider why they operate this way.
