A virtual, global world

Here, we provide some key phrases and expressions you might need to improve the communication in international teams across time zones.

The Situation:

Uli and Li have a conference call with their colleagues in China. First, they prepare for it. Then, they join the call.

9. Be prepared

Li: So, I sent the designs for the vintage logo to China last night. We agree that the focus should be on the terroir, is that correct?

Uli: Yes. Who needs to be consulted before we make this decision? Li: Nobody. We have the authority to decide this.

Uli: OK, let’s hear what our colleagues in China have to say.

Li: Can we just go over our arguments again so we’re clear about everything?

10. First small talk

Li: Good evening, Shanghai!

Chang: Good morning, New York!

Li: Can you hear us OK?

Chang: Perfectly. So, Li, how’s everything at your end?

Li: Great. Uli is here, too.

Uli: Good evening, everyone. Chang: Hi, Uli. How are things? How are you settling in?

Uli: Great! I’ve acclimatized to life in New York!

Li: He’s also a real baseball fan. He knows more about it than everyone else in the team!

Chang: That’s hilarious. Next time I’m in New York, will you explain it to me?

Uli: Sure. We should go to a match.

Li: Not “match” — it’s a “game”. You keep mixing up cricket and baseball!

Uli: Well, it seems I’m not an expert yet, after all!

11. Down to work

Li: What do you think of the designs?

Chang: They look very professional. We like the use of the original wine estate and the barrels.

Li: Yes, so do we.

Chang: We’re not sure about the colours. The logos seem quite dark. But maybe that’s my computer setting.

Uli: It could be. We’ll ask the designers to look at the colours again, just to be certain.

Chang: When can we see the plans for the vintage experience venue?

12. Time differences

Uli: We’ll send the plans this afternoon, so you’ll have them in your inbox when you start work tomorrow morning. We can discuss them in our meeting on Friday.

Chang: Could we start the meeting two hours earlier? I know it’s a lot to ask with the big time difference, but we have a family event and I’d like to leave work early.

Uli: That’s fine with me. I can work from home.

Li: I’m fine with it, too. We can also discuss some of the dishes we’d like to pair with our wines. We’d like your opinion on the Chinese dishes.

Chang: I’m looking forward to seeing the suggestions.