Having an effective working relationship requires a certain level of comfort with each other, which can only be achieved through communication. Therefore, the first suggestion should be premised on building a relationship.
#1 Build Relationships Between Colleagues
Small talk - Small talk helps to build rapport among co-workers, but engaging in small talk is a competency that stems from cultural practices. For example, in my 16 years of working and living in China, I have observed that Chinese people are very bad at making small talk with people they don't know well, on the other hand, Westerners are better at and like small talk. Small talk is essential for alleviating work-related stress and anxiety, and it also allows both parties to relax a bit before discussing related issues or performing work. This activity should continue throughout their working life, especially in international schools. They can chat about everyday topics like the weather, traffic, weekend activities, and more.
Cultivate Closer Relationships - Getting to know a person changes the way we converse, making it more polite and less confrontational. Active listening is paramount in order to foster closer relationships in an international school setting. A culture of listening to others fosters empathy—that is, knowing exactly how others feel before making value judgments. Empathy should be expressed in words and actions.
#2 Build trust in the workplace
True collaboration, teamwork and diversity can only be fostered by building trust, and this is the second most important aspect that support staff in your country should know. Trust is a prerequisite for every successful working relationship because a lack of it can lead to a toxic environment filled with constant suspicion and an uncomfortable feeling that drains the soul. Building trust isn't a one-off either. It takes conscious, sustained effort. Building trust among colleagues takes time. In order to build trust in the workplace, the following four elements must be present.
ability. Employees are hired to do work and are expected to do it well. Trust is abundant when people know that their colleagues are able to perform tasks and work effectively. Competence means that a person has the ability to do his job well.
Reliability is critical to employee performance and a key element in building trust with colleagues. Reliability is the quality of being reliable and trustworthy. They do what they say. Reliability is when someone can be counted on to do what is expected. For example, a reliable employee is one who shows up to work on time and is committed to getting the job done in a timely manner. It's futile to be competent for the job, but the staff is not reliable.
A person of integrity is one who has a strict moral or ethical code. They are very honest. Integrity is the foundation of trust. Honesty and integrity will help individuals develop better relationships with colleagues. vice versa. For example, if a person repeatedly lies, co-workers are likely to think they too have been lied to.
Connectivity is perhaps the most important component in building a productive workplace. In fact, this is the basis for building trust among employees. Connectivity brings you through the door. This is similar to building rapport and building relationships with other employees. But it's not just about making people feel like one big happy family. Communication involves relating to someone's views and ideas. Connected teams drive collaboration, create healthy working relationships and facilitate knowledge sharing.
#3 Understanding Different Cultures
Understanding different cultures is also very important. Lester Pearson aptly said in his 1957 Nobel Peace Prize speech: "How can there be peace without mutual understanding among men? How can there be peace if they do not understand each other What about it?" (Lester Pearson Pacific College, 1982: 9) In order to create an environment of mutual respect and tolerance for all cultures, foreign teachers and employees in the host country should understand, respect and acknowledge cultural differences. From an early age, our major social events taught us to respect our guests. A similar principle of extension applies here. It is necessary for employees in the host country to treat their foreign colleagues as guests of their country. One of the many ways to accomplish this is by engaging in engaging, fun and entertaining icebreakers, such as short presentations by employees detailing their cultural festivals, food, traditions and other important aspects. For example, in a Chinese context, foreign teachers should be aware of the Dragon Boat Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival. Likewise, Chinese employees should be aware of Western holidays such as Anzac Day, Boxing Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Thanksgiving, among others.
#4 Improve English speaking and writing skills
Surprisingly, some local employees, especially those in positions that require constant communication with foreign colleagues, are not proficient in English. Foreign teachers who plan to live in China for a long time should work hard to learn Mandarin. Likewise, local employees who wish to work in international schools for a long time should strive to improve their English so that they can confidently improve their English speaking and writing skills. The simple life philosophy of "learn more, do better" is revolutionary for employees in the host country and has the potential to accelerate their language learning process and career development. Communication is key. Employees in the host country should not shy away from asking for clarification in instructions from supervisors or foreign teachers. Slowly, as they develop a command of the English language, they will be able to build a solid foundation in international schools as they gain the confidence to engage in meaningful mutual discussions.
#5 Provide Excellent Service
The role of non-teaching support staff is primarily to support and serve their internal and/or external 'clients'. I think internal customers are our number one customers and external customers are our number two customers. When supporting and serving customers, they should provide excellent service, especially when supporting foreign colleagues. This is not because foreign colleagues deserve better treatment than local colleagues or external clients, but because they have left their country, family and friends to work and live in a place that is foreign to them. It is a very intimidating situation when they do not speak the local language and the local culture, customs and traditions are so foreign to them. Foreigners will find it difficult to navigate everyday conversations, such as chatting with the landlord or going grocery shopping. For example, not being able to explain the problem with the apartment to the property manager, or not being able to understand the emergency alert message on the mobile phone in the local language, all of the above can make foreign colleagues feel very frustrated and helpless.
Great work means exceeding expectations, being proactive, going the extra mile, reaching new heights, delivering top-notch service, delivering personal service, and delivering the ultimate in customer service. All of the above are concrete manifestations of excellent work. In other words, the needs and concerns of the parties being supported and served are anticipated before the parties are aware of their own needs and concerns. Honestly, without rapport among co-workers, without some level of English proficiency, without respect or understanding of other people's cultures, without trust in the working relationship, it's nearly impossible to achieve this standard of excellence.
First, non-teaching support staff must do an excellent job within their scope of work. This is a matter of course. They should remember that they are a support worker and should provide support warmly, proactively, promptly and professionally. Next, locals should try to help their foreign colleagues, not just work-related things. At this point I get some objections. Here are my reasons for making this suggestion. Most westerners are inherently independent. It can be a scary feeling to depend on someone else for daily chores. So, if it's not a language issue, patiently showing foreign colleagues how they can solve the problem is much appreciated and should be enough. It is a win-win situation; foreign colleagues and local support staff help each other to familiarize and get used to each other's language, culture and dialogue patterns. Creating a work environment that is conducive to the success of people from different cultural backgrounds is critical.
join us!
If you are an HR leader in an international or bilingual school in China, we invite you to join us for the HR Managers As A Strategic Partner — Professional Development training on May 11-12, 2023. for Schools ). This workshop provides an opportunity to network with peers, share insights and best practices to help you be upskilled and inspired in these exciting times. By building strong relationships with other leaders in their schools and ensuring that HR considerations are incorporated into overall strategic planning, HR leaders can help their schools thrive in these challenging times.