As an international employee
– Understand the way your superior/team leader/ employer/colleague/etc. communicates. Understand your own way of communication (-> Cross ref communication)
– What do words like: Could, would, possibly, soon, need, wonder, etc. mean in the context: Clarify if necessary. For example: To understand correctly, could I repeat what I have understood from your instructions/request? So, do you mean…? Could I check…?
– Communicate with the person who instructs you about a way you would like/not like to communicate instructions/requests. E.g. The way I hear what you are instructing me to do is …. . I am more used/I would prefer
Rule of Thumb: Establish together (person giving instructions, person receiving instructions): How instructions are given? How direct/indirect? How precise? Clarify words that offer room for misunderstanding (soon, as soon as possible, nice, long, etc.) Establish a shared basis of knowledge regarding this topic and act upon it.