In a place like Shanghai, professionnal are often confronted to the work language issue.
For instance, a company from a non-english speaking country establishes English as the official work language, hires Chinese staff and possibly Chinese-speaking staff. As long as email remains the tool of communication, this is fine – or almost. But when it comes to meetings, it can really be time-consuming. Take the example of a meeting between two foreign companies : a service provider and a client. 6 people around the table, 3 languages – and many different accents. Out of the 6, only 1 or 2 people are fluent in the 3 languages. The others only master A and B, or B and C languages. Sometimes, just one language.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that soon, micro conversations and comments on the side start on both ends of the table, some people stop listening. Instead of 1 hour, the meeting takes longer, the last points are reviewed in a rush because everyone has to run elsewhere. Honestly I don’t know about you but in the office there is almost nothing I hate more than over-lasting meetings.
What can we do about that? Learning Chinese overnight being pretty much out of the question, let’s look at some tips to make these meetings shorter and more effective for everyone :
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Define an official language for the meeting and inform everyone involved. The question is “What are the key points that need to be resolved?” or “What is the goal of the meeting?” For instance, if this is resolving specific, technical issues that can only be monitored by executive local staff, make sure they talk to each other.
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The interpreter. Is an interpreter needed? Hire one or chose a reliable person of your staff to act like one. For tips regarding interpreters, check this.
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Decide the table seating before it starts. No, table seating are not only for weddings.
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Have someone taking the minutes – this is a no brainer but make sure everyone gets the right documents before and after.
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If possible, provide your staff mandatory language training classes at lunch time. Most people will thank you for that.
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And, to all foreign companies and public organizations looking to expand in China, there are plenty of very much qualified young professional who speak several languages and that are looking for jobs out there. Just stop sending expat dudes who have no idea about where they are.
Like Georges would say : “What else?”
