Working in an intercultural setting? 🌐 Avoid miscommunication with these tips 🗣️ 💡

Workplaces today bring together people from different cultures, countries, and communication styles. That diversity is a huge strength, but it can also create misunderstandings if we’re not aware of how we communicate with each other.

The good news?

With a little awareness and a few simple strategies, you can navigate cultural differences with confidence and build stronger working relationships.

Intercultural miscommunication happens when people from different cultural backgrounds misunderstand each other — not because the message is incorrect, but because the way it’s delivered or interpreted varies from culture to culture.

This can happen due to differences in:

• Tone of voice

• Eye contact

• Personal space

• Direct vs. indirect communication

• Approaches to giving feedback

• Norms around time, urgency, or hierarchy

It’s not about someone being “right” or “wrong.” It’s about different expectations.

Intercultural miscommunication can show up in subtle ways, such as:

• A coworker seems “rude” or “too direct.” In some cultures, directness = clarity, not rudeness.

• Someone seems quiet or hesitant in meetings. They may come from a culture where speaking only when certain is valued.

• A teammate avoids saying “no.” Some cultures use indirect language or polite hints instead.

• Deadlines, meetings, or email tone cause tension. Differences in time orientation or professional tone can create mixed signals.

• Feedback feels too harsh — or too vague. Cultures differ in how they give and receive critiques.

Scenario: You’re leading a meeting with team members from different cultural backgrounds. You notice that one participant, Mei, hasn’t spoken yet. You worry she might be confused or disengaged. What is the most culturally sensitive way to check in?

A. Call on her directly in front of the group, so she has to participate.

B. Send her a private message later, asking if anything was unclear.

C. Say, “Mei, why aren’t you speaking? Are you uncomfortable?”

D. Ignore it — if she doesn’t want to talk, that’s her problem.

There are many ways to address intercultural miscommunication that you can apply in your workplace.

1. Practice Cultural Curiosity (Not Assumptions)

Instead of assuming someone’s behavior has a negative meaning:

• Ask clarifying questions

• Learn about cultural norms

• Stay open to different communication styles

Example: Instead of thinking, “He’s ignoring me,” you might ask the person, “Hey, I noticed you prefer email — does that work better for you?”

2. Check for Understanding (Don’t Rely on Implied Meaning)

Miscommunication often happens when we think we understood. Try:

• Repeating key points

• Asking others to summarize what they heard

• Confirming deadlines and expectations

Example: “Just so we’re on the same page, the report is due Friday by noon — is that right?"

3. Adapt Your Communication Style When Needed

You don’t need to change who you are — just be flexible:

• Use simple, clear language

• Avoid idioms or slang

• Balance directness with respect

• Be aware of non-verbal cues

Example: Instead of “Let’s touch base and circle back,” say: “Let’s meet again tomorrow to follow up.”

Good communication is one of the easiest ways to prevent intercultural missteps. No matter where your coworkers come from, clear and thoughtful communication helps everyone feel understood.

Even small communication habits can make a big difference. Here are some easy habits you can start using right away to avoid intercultural miscommunication.

• Use “plain language.” Avoid jargon and workplace clichés.

• Be patient with accents, pacing, or different levels of language proficiency.

• Notice non-verbal cues but don’t overinterpret them.

• Ask before assuming. Clarification prevents conflict.

• Respect different feedback styles. Some people value directness, while others prefer softer phrasing.

• Document important instructions. This keeps everyone aligned.

• Create a team culture where questions are normal.

Alex and Priya are working on a joint project. Alex says, “We should be fine with the deadline,” but doesn’t give a specific date.

Priya assumes this means the work is due next week. Alex meant it was due tomorrow. What could Alex have done to avoid this miscommunication?

A. Use clearer, more direct language about the deadline.

B. Assume Priya understood the timeline.

C. Wait for Priya to ask questions.

D. Avoid discussing deadlines at all.

Here are a few other things you can consider for workplace communication.