For many years, companies and government agencies have prepared their managers and other workers for overseas assignments. The method frequently chosen is cross-cultural training, a set of learning experiences designed to help employees understand the customs, traditions, and beliefs of another culture. A major thrust to cross-cultural training is improving internal and external communications, including overcoming cross-cultural communication barriers like building trust and giving criticism.

In many cultures trust is built by slowing developing a relationship though such means as frequent exchange of polite messages. The international leader who remains alert to cues in the environment can go a long way toward building relationships with people from different cultures.