"Okay, everyone! Let's see if we can get our global operations on the same page so we can reach ROI and world class performance by Q3."

Most business professionals understand all of that, right? Actually, if you are in the US, the answer is likely yes. But across the globe, it may be a very different story.

What are the major culprits of global communications confusion? Jargon is just one. Culture, timelines, expectations, and qualifiers are also major contributors. For example, what someone in the US sees as a crisis, someone is Europe may see as business as usual (and take their holiday anyway). There are many ways that we can get tripped up in cross cultural communciations.

To avoid the pitfalls, I make two suggestions, the first is to attend the IABC Houston Corporate Communicators Series breakfast on Communicating Globally. On Thursday, November 8 at Ouisie's Table, Marlene McClinton will bring her extensive knowledge and experience by sharing real world examples including crisis communications and global context. You can learn more about this event here.

The other suggestion I have is to read the recent Creative Communications Column in IABC's CW magazine. Steve Crescenzo cuts through the jargon and helps you to remember to get back on a level playing field (seems it's hard to lose those metaphors).

I admit that I am not an expert on communicating globally, but I do know that we must always keep testing your communications against your stakeholders. They are the reason that you are communicating in the first place.