Russia Area Conference Nov 16-20, 2015

M Multicultural Team

To help SEND missionaries in Russia plan to use their teams’ cultural diversity to the greatest advantage in fulfilling the ministry to which God has called them.

Multicultural teams must learn to communicate in low-context ways because the multicultural environment confuses the cues that are necessary for high-context communication. For the indirect (high context) communicators: aim for a more direct style. Even though it might feel awkward and rude to you, remember that the direct communicator cannot pick up on the subtle clues that seem obvious to you. For the direct (low context) communicators: try to be more indirect and a “softer” communicator. Avoid directly disagreeing with co-workers, and voice disagreements in more subtle ways. Be less confrontational and use words like “maybe” and “perhaps” more often.

Low Context High Context Direct Negative Feedback Indirect Negative Feedback Principles First Applications First Egalitarian Hierarchical Consensual Top Down Task-Based Relationship Based Confrontational Avoid Confrontation Linear Time Flexible Time U.S - Canada - Germany - Russia -

Responding to Cultural Diversity

Planning For Progress as a Multicultural Team

Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful (Col 3:12-15 NLT)