During a recent virtual project review, a team of managers from across three continents gathered to discuss progress on a global initiative. Midway through the meeting, the project lead from Germany presented his update with characteristic precision; clear, factual, and unambiguous. He directly identified what was off-track and proposed corrective steps. A colleague from Japan, who had quietly taken notes, appeared uneasy but said little. Afterward, she shared privately that the discussion had felt “too sharp,” almost confrontational. The German lead, on the other hand, was perplexed as he thought he had simply been transparent and efficient.
Both professionals were competent, committed, and well-intentioned. Yet they experienced the same moment through very different cultural lenses. This scenario captures one of the most persistent realities of modern work: in global and multicultural organizations, communication is never just about what is said, it is also about how it is understood. The owner of the meaning is indeed the receiver!
Culture is the invisible framework that shapes how we express ourselves, how we interpret messages, and how we respond to others. It defines whether we value directness or diplomacy, whether silence signals reflection or disagreement, and whether hierarchy determines who speaks first, all voices being equal. Even nonverbal cues such as eye contact, gestures, tone, and physical space carry meaning that differs dramatically across cultures. A raised eyebrow or a brief pause can mean very different things in Paris, Nairobi, or Shanghai. An up and down motion of the head could be either a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’, depending on where you are on the globe!
These subtleties can lead to communication breakdowns if they go unrecognized. A brief email that seems efficient in one culture may appear abrupt in another. I remember a high-ranking official of a company who used to write ‘one sentence emails’ in all capital letters and red color. The rebellion simmered below the surface, but not for long. It proved quite counterproductive as senior managers started to complain openly. Looking back, it was cultural. I have noticed that, over time, small misunderstandings of this nature can accumulate into friction, frustration, and even fractured relationships. Teams may find themselves working hard yet misaligned. This may not be due to a lack of skill or effort, but because of unspoken differences in how they communicate.
The key to bridging these gaps lies not in conformity, but in cultural agility. This refers to the ability to adapt one’s communication style without losing authenticity. Cultural agility begins with self-awareness: recognizing that our preferred way of speaking, listening, and leading is shaped by our upbringing and environment, not by universal truth. It extends to curiosity, which is seeking to understand how others convey respect, disagreement, or enthusiasm. This mindset transforms cultural differences from a source of tension into a source of strength.
Organizations that operate successfully across borders intentionally develop cultural intelligence as part of their leadership DNA. When I worked with a middle east headquartered multinational, cultural sensitivity was identified as a key competence for the organization. We endeavored to create an environment that promoted open dialogue and psychological safety, where employees would feel comfortable expressing perspectives shaped by diverse worldviews. We modeled humility and acknowledged that understanding was an ongoing process, not a one-time achievement. These learnings have stuck with me over the years.
In practice, this means taking deliberate steps: checking for shared understanding during meetings, inviting quieter voices to contribute, and framing feedback with awareness of how it might be perceived in different cultural contexts. Instead of saying ‘ I don’t agree with that view’ which would be too direct and hurtful in some cultures, we encourage statements like ‘’ That’s an interesting view, may we additionally consider the other option that…’’. I have found this work wonders in practice.
In today’s interconnected world, the effectiveness of our communication defines the effectiveness of our leadership. It determines whether we build bridges or barriers, whether our messages connect or collide. Communication, at its best, is not merely about transmission; it is about connection.
Peter Drucker captured it well that ‘the most important thing in communication is hearing what is said and what is not’.
As workplaces continue to evolve across geographies and generations, the challenge for leaders is not just to speak clearly but to listen deeply, with empathy, openness, and cultural humility. For in truly understanding one another, we move beyond words and build workplaces that are not only productive but profoundly human.
Related Content: Engage Communications Wins Top Honor at 2024 PRSK Awards for Groundbreaking ‘Galaxy in the Air’ Campaign
Dr. Fred Nyawade, PhD, is the Head of People and Culture at Siginon Group. A scholar-practitioner and leadership mentor, Dr. Nyawade is passionate about cultivating great workplace cultures, which encourage high performance and empathetic leadership while valuing diversity as a strategic advantage. He is a certified Executive Coach and Certified HR professional. He writes and speaks extensively on leadership, Innovation, culture, and human potential
