Cross-Cultural Issues

When Sophie, a project manager from Lausanne, Switzerland, first collaborated with her colleagues from Brazil and the United States on a...

When Elena stepped into her first negotiation with an international client from Japan, she felt confident but soon encountered unexpected silence. Remembering her training, she paused and reflected on cultural nuances, choosing to slow down and patiently allow the conversation to unfold. By adopting a culturally aware approach , Elena turned a potentially awkward situation into a strong partnership, illustrating the transformative power of thoughtful negotiation. Negotiation

We’ve all been there. A meeting where everyone nods, but no one really agrees. Or a situation where you expect discussion and are met with silence. Or worse, the kind of meeting where the real decisions seem to happen after the call ends, in private emails or side conversations. In international and culturally diverse settings, meetings can be full of invisible dynamics. What looks like agreement may be polite deferral. What seems like a lack of engagement could be a sign of

When we do business, we often think we’re speaking the same language, especially when we are  literally speaking the same language. But...

In culturally diverse meetings, participation is never as simple as “Speak when you have something to say.” Depending on the cultural context, that invitation might feel empowering or intimidating. Some participants will speak freely. Others will wait, watch, or withhold their views out of respect, caution, or deference to hierarchy. When we expect everyone to participate the same way, we miss valuable input and risk misreading silence as disinterest or worse, agreement. This

In multicultural meetings, achieving true alignment can feel like navigating a labyrinth. Diverse perspectives, communication styles, and cultural norms can either enrich the discussion or lead to misunderstandings. As a leader, your role is to guide these differences toward a common ground where all voices are heard, and collective goals are clear. Alignment is not about forcing agreement but fostering an environment where mutual understanding thrives. This requires emotiona

In today’s globalized business environment, decision-making is rarely a straightforward process. Cultural differences significantly influence how decisions are made, communicated, and implemented. What feels like strong leadership in one culture may be seen as domineering in another. What seems like a thoughtful, inclusive process in one context may appear indecisive elsewhere. Understanding these variations is essential for any leader aiming to foster collaboration, build tr