There’s a particular kind of silence that can hang in the air when something doesn’t quite land during a virtual meeting. Maybe there’s an awkward pause, a polite smile, an uncomfortable chuckle. If you work with colleagues around the globe, you’ve likely experienced it. And if you’re anything like the professionals I work with, you’ve also beaten yourself up about it.
As with all things in the workplace, it doesn’t help to stress yourself out. Cross-cultural communication is complex, and it takes intentional effort to master. But it’s not rocket science. People are still people, no matter where they live or what language they first learned to speak.
The challenge of cross-cultural communication is not that people are inherently difficult, but rather, it’s that meaning is never delivered or received in a vacuum. Every gesture, phrase, and even the speed of speech can carry cultural baggage. What seems efficient in one culture might come across as abrupt in another. What feels respectful to you might strike someone else as distant or even dismissive.
If you want to improve your ability to communicate with colleagues in other parts of the world, the following strategies will help.
Start with Curiosity, Not Assumptions
One of the most helpful mindsets you can bring to cross-cultural communication is curiosity. Instead of assuming you understand what someone meant (or how they meant it) ask more questions. That doesn’t mean interrogating your colleagues; it just means staying open, especially when something feels “off.”
Curiosity might look like:
- Noticing when something feels unfamiliar or unexpected and asking yourself (or others) what cultural lens might be influencing it.
- Asking open-ended questions to better understand your colleague’s communication style or preferences.
- Paying attention to repeated behaviors or responses instead of drawing conclusions from isolated incidents.
Respect Isn’t Universal, It’s Cultural
Respect doesn’t always look the same across cultures. In some workplaces, interrupting is seen as a demonstration of enthusiasm and is completely normal. In others, it’s seen as deeply rude. Some cultures value consensus and harmony, while others appreciate directness and dissent.
This doesn’t mean you have to abandon your values. Just take the time to understand how others express theirs, and don’t immediately jump to a place of offense when people behave differently than you’d expect. Assume positive intent and remember that a respectful communicator is one who adjusts to facilitate connection and comfort for all involved.
Patience is a Skill, Not a Virtue
When you’re navigating different communication styles, things will inevitably take longer. Responses may be slower, misunderstandings more frequent, and alignment less obvious. That’s not a sign of failure; it’s the nature of the work.
Always allow for buffer time and, when frustration bubbles up, remind yourself: this is a process that takes times to build.
Tactical Strategies to Support the Process
While mindset is foundational, there are also concrete strategies that can ease the friction:
- Use plain language. Avoid idioms, slang, or regional references unless you’re sure they translate.
- Check for understanding. Ask, “Does that make sense given your context?” rather than, “Any questions?”
- Adjust your pace. Slow down your speech and allow more space for responses.
- Mirror communication styles. If a colleague uses more formal greetings or titles, reflect that.
- Write it down. Follow up spoken conversations with written summaries to confirm shared understanding.
When you adopt these practices, you’ll avoid missteps and build trust.
Cross-cultural communication is like a muscle that has to be strengthened. It grows with use, repetition and reflection. And the rewards are profound. When you connect across cultural lines, you expand reach and perspective, and your impact multiplies.
The most effective professionals I know aren’t the ones who “get it right” the first time. They’re the ones who keep showing up with curiosity, patience, and the humility to learn, even when it’s uncomfortable.
