Awareness of cultural missteps could save your business deal--a lack of cultural awareness can also ensure that you not only look a fool, but fail to seal the deal. You’ve been on an all night flight to Russia to close an important business deal, and the first thing your host does is offer you a shot of vodka. Even though your stomach turns at the thought of an alcoholic liquid breakfast, you accept. Did you choose wisely?Everyone’s had moments where they put their foot in their mouth, but, if they’re lucky, a business deal didn’t hinge on it.In our current global market deals are struck with partners in other countries every day—and sometimes an awareness of potential cultural issues can help you get to the point where you sign on the dotted line. However, a lack of cultural awareness can also ensure that you not only look a fool, but fail to seal the deal.Below is a list of six common faux pas that you shouldn’t make when in Russia as submitted by international business people. Don’t turn down a glass of vodka when it’s offered by your host. Don’t perceive traditional Russian hospitality as an attempt to bribe you. Don’t shout at people—it’s a sign of weakness. Don’t interpret lack of smiles in general crowd as an unwelcoming attitude. (In fact, a smile in Russia is much more personal, says Alexander Nepomniachtchi, director of Luxoft Delivery Organization, and you will see a lot of smiles when you get closer to people.) Take your shoes off when entering someone’s home. Don’t put your feet up on the table in front of someone. (Isn’t that a major gaffe in any country?)Obviously, this isn’t an exhaustive list. Tell us about the cultural mistake you made—or observed—in the comments section below. Don’t you wish someone had shared their experiences with you before you became the laughingstock of the water cooler brigade? Related content feature CIOs grapple with the ethics of implementing AI With ethical considerations around AI use increasingly top of mind, IT leaders are developing governance frameworks, establishing review boards, and coming to terms with the difficult discussions and decisions ahead. By Esther Shein Dec 11, 2023 13 mins Generative AI Generative AI Generative AI feature Reed Smith turns to AI for lawyer staffing solution The legal firm’s Smart Resourcing tool helps balance workloads and ensure partners find associates with the right skills and experience, while empowering employees to make connections across the firm’s global footprint. By Sarah K. White Dec 11, 2023 8 mins CIO 100 Legal Digital Transformation news Emirates NBD drives sustainability goals with Microsoft partnership By Andrea Benito Dec 10, 2023 2 mins CIO news COP28: How Du and Ericsson's partnership is supporting UAE Net Zero Strategy By Andrea Benito Dec 10, 2023 3 mins CIO Green IT Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe