Business Communication and Teamwork

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Questions and Answers

What document was created to define the communication norms and rules for the team?

Project Plan

Communication Log

Meeting Minutes

Team Charter (correct)

What approach did the speaker's boss introduce to help manage workload and set goals?

Priority List Technique

Goal Review Framework

SMART Goals (correct)

Action Planning Method

What was the reason for the speaker feeling overloaded at work?

Personal commitments

Lack of communication

Team member's resignation

Unrealistic targets (correct)

What risk did the speaker mention regarding flights at the end of the day?

Flight cancellations Signup and view all the answers

How did the speaker respond to the flight cancellation announcement?

Rushed back to the departures area Signup and view all the answers

What did the speaker prioritize after implementing the SMART goal approach?

Completing urgent tasks first Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the speaker's effort in managing their workload with SMART goals?

They gained better control of their time Signup and view all the answers

How many seats were available on the next morning's flight after cancellation?

Nine seats Signup and view all the answers

What was the author's initial goal when meeting the contact from Retrolink?

To build a good relationship Signup and view all the answers

What communication issue did the author encounter when greeting the contact?

Different expectations of formality Signup and view all the answers

Which factor did the author identify as a challenge when working with the virtual team?

Differences in time zones and regulations Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant interpersonal difference noted by the author on the international project?

Different approaches to deadlines Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of communication was affected due to team members working in a non-native language?

Increased misunderstandings Signup and view all the answers

What assumption did the author realize they had made regarding the meeting with Retrolink?

That handshakes are more formal than hugs Signup and view all the answers

What challenge did the author find most significant about virtual international teamwork?

Coordination across varying time zones Signup and view all the answers

What did the author learn from the experience with the Retrolink contact?

Assumptions about formality can lead to awkwardness Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Meeting New Contacts

Importance of making a good impression and building strong relationships in business.
Greeter initially assumed a formal approach (handshake and surname), while the counterpart preferred a more casual style (hug and first name).
Misalignment in expectations showcased the need for understanding different cultural norms in professional interactions.

Working with International Teams

Experience of collaborating with a virtual team across various countries presented excitement and challenges.
Obstacles included different time zones, IT systems, local regulations, and cultural differences in work habits and communication.
Language barriers required all team members to enhance clarity in communication when English was the project language.
Establishing communication norms and project rules through a project charter ensured effective collaboration and contributed to project success.

Managing Workload and Stress

Personal experience of work challenges due to workload overload and team restructuring caused increased stress and overtime.
Support received from a boss who advocated for realistic targets.
Introduction to the SMART goal-setting method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) helped in prioritizing and managing tasks effectively.
Regular use of the SMART approach led to improved time management and reduced stress at work.

Travel Challenges

Encountered flight delays and cancellation, which is a common risk when traveling late in the day.
Quick thinking and prompt action to reach the rebooking desk resulted in securing one of the last available seats on a subsequent flight.
Highlighted the importance of being proactive in unexpected situations during travel.

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Description

Explore the nuances of making a good impression and understanding cultural differences in business interactions. This quiz covers the challenges of working with international teams and how to manage workload and stress effectively. Test your knowledge on the importance of communication norms and relationship building in diverse environments.