In this episode, hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome explore the impact of cultural awareness on project management. Highlighting examples from their careers, they discuss adjusting communication styles, handling critique, and understanding different perceptions of time across cultures. The conversation looks at the importance of building trust, fostering respect, and adapting to organizational norms, offering strategies for project managers to effectively navigate cultural differences and improve project outcomes.

Main Take-Aways

Project managers are both influenced by, and have opportunity to influence, the culture of a project:

• understanding the nuances of communication
• handling critique
• being flexible in adapting to different aspects of project culture
• being aware of the perception of time in different cultures
• being sensitive to various approaches to work
• building trust and personal connections
• leading by example
• respecting differences
• understanding project culture within the context of the organization's culture

Show Notes

Today's Project Managers Coffee Chat: Project Cultural Influences

00:27 Exploring cultural awareness in projects both regarding how you can be influenced by project culture and how you can influence project culture.

00:57 Understanding that there are communication nuances within project culture, even at the executive level. Additionally, you must be aware that cultural nuance regarding communication includes non-verbals, vocal inflections, expressions, etc.

03:32 Handling critique and evaluation within the context of project culture. Being flexible in adapting to different cultures that may be present on a project.

06:12 Awareness of the perception of time in different cultures and adapting to that perception of different than your own.

09:28 Approaching project culture from an ethical perspective and being sensitive to individuals' approach to work.

10:46 Influencing project culture by building trust and personal connections, formalizing behavior in a team charter.

11:56 Leading by example shows integrity and helps develop a positive project culture. Applying servant leadership principles.

14:27 Building project relationships and respecting differences.

16:52 Understanding that project culture is a microcosm of the larger organization culture. Adapting to the norms of the aspects of organizational culture that are adapted within the project.

20:07 Summarizing the key points of this episode.