Figure out what is most important for you when you need to recharge your batteries while staying abroad. It might be a familiar food, some alone time or spending some time with people similar to yourself. You need sufficient energy in order to be able to relate to people at work from diverse backgrounds. Energy is essential for rapid adaptation and tuning in to the same wavelength.
Also do plan ahead. Be proactive and anticipate which encounters will be the most difficult for you. These recommendations come from the management-issues.com website.
Recognise your limits
When collaborating on a project with a group of diverse colleagues, you must apply more emotional and cognitive effort than when you are a member of a homogeneous team. You simply need to adapt the way you present your ideas; the preferences of your colleagues should be taken into account.
Adapting to the perspectives and styles of others drains our energy. This is why underrepresented groups feel much better when they come together with similar people. At last they can let down their guard and start being themselves again.
Necessary willpower can be trained
Don’t worry: the more you exercise the self-control required for dealing with intercultural situations, the easier it becomes. Your willpower is like a muscle. It will grow tired after being used for an extended period of time; however, if you use it often enough, its strength and endurance increases. You will then be able to regulate your thinking and behaviour more easily in future encounters.
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