Being Welcoming - Kindness
So, you're at a party. The host introduces you to a Russian client who has just arrived in the country and speaks minimal English. You want to connect, but you feel embarrassed and conscious of the huge cultural, conceptual and language abyss that lies between you!
This is part 1 of 10 ways to be more effective in interacting with someone from another country
Be kind! Obvious? Not necessarily... Kindness has become an under-rated quality in our day and age... and it goes a very long way. Think to yourself, "How would I be feeling right now if the tables were turned?" "What would I like someone to do which would make me feel comfortable?"
For example, offer the person a chair and sit next to them. (Try not to look too intense though - you don't want to scare them off!) Offer to fetch them a drink.
Put yourself in their shoes and then show them kindness.
Next tip: Start gently.
