What does multi-cultural awareness in leadership mean?

As an international leader having lived in several countries on 3 different continents, I have faced cultural variations – and their associated challenges – of the same topic.

Consider time. At my very first job in Germany, working in a team of French and German colleagues, I learned that when a meeting starts at 9 am for my German colleagues, I should tell my French colleagues that it starts at 9 am SHARP!

Later, living in the Middle East, I had to consider different interpretations of time between my American and Middle-Eastern colleagues. When saying “this will be ready soon”, the former would likely understand “tomorrow”, the latter “in a few days or weeks”.

As a leader, understanding such cultural differences is key to set and manage expectations with different stakeholders.

And for you, what is a cultural trait you had to adjust to in your leadership role abroad? What was the challenge for you then? Tell me in a comment.

For comments or questions, please visit my website or contact me at pascal@p-m-coaching.com