Ranjini Manian

Founder-CEO of Global Adjustments, a relocation and cross-cultural services company, and author of "Make it in India".

Speaking in idioms

Getting it right can not only narrow the cultural divide, but actually help you fit right in with your foreign associates

Spirituality as a guide to everyday behaviour

Core principles may be compared with exercises at the gym

Smile: You're on the telephone

Take a telephone call just as seriously as a face-to-face meeting

Converse across cultures

What a good job we do in India on talking; learn how to hone this art across borders

The basics of office protocol

Be unfailingly polite, considerate, honest, culturally sensitive and respectful of differences

Accent on the accent

Slow understandable speech is more important than an accent.

Flying high with good manners

Whether in a crowded airport or in the close confines of an aircraft, one should show consideration for fellow travellers..