Test your skills

If you were John, what would you have done in this situation?

1. Nothing. If Robert can't manage a simple conversation he's not going to fit in very well.
You chose:
Nothing. If Robert can't manage a simple conversation he's not going to fit in very well.
Best choice:
Tried to do a bit more to put him at ease - asked him about the weather or his plans for the weekend.
Feedback
John should keep trying. In some cultures there is a clear hierarchy and it is unusual for employees to speak to managers. Robert may just not be used to talking to superiors in an informal way.
2. Tried to do a bit more to put him at ease - asked him about the weather or his plans for the weekend.
Best choice:
Tried to do a bit more to put him at ease - asked him about the weather or his plans for the weekend.
Feedback
This would be a good idea. In some cultures there is a clear hierarchy and it is unusual for employees to speak to managers. Even if a migrant does not respond at first, keep trying. They do not mean to be unfriendly; they may just not be used to talking to superiors in an informal way. Give them time to adapt.
3. Mentioned to someone in Robert's team that Robert shouldn't be frightened of him and it's OK to speak to him.
You chose:
Mentioned to someone in Robert's team that Robert shouldn't be frightened of him and it's OK to speak to him.
Best choice:
Tried to do a bit more to put him at ease - asked him about the weather or his plans for the weekend.
Feedback
This would be a possible strategy. In some cultures there is a clear hierarchy and it is unusual for employees to speak to managers. They do not mean to be unfriendly; they may just not be used to talking to superiors in an informal way. John could check with the people Robert is working with to see if he is fitting in alright.