Handling conflict, and the final test
Step 1 / 2·Is this cultural difference or a performance problem
0/2 steps done
Learning objectives — after this module you will:
- Handle conflict with a cultural element
- Tell cultural difference from a performance problem
- Complete the final test
Is this cultural difference or a performance problem
Neither blame everything on culture nor ignore it.
There are two symmetric errors. The first is putting everything down to culture — 'they're behind because their culture sees time differently' — which lets a real performance problem stand and is unfair to that person.
The second is ignoring culture entirely and imposing a single standard — 'here everyone challenges in meetings' — which discards the contribution of people who would speak if asked the right way.
Firm standards, flexible methods
'The report is due by 5pm Friday' is a standard — not negotiable. 'You must challenge in the meeting' is a method — it can be replaced by sending written views beforehand. Separating the two resolves most conflicts.