5 Cross-Cultural Leadership Challenges

Leadership roles are not necessarily bound anymore by national borders and unique locations on the world map — it goes well beyond, leaders can operate across a wider set of geographies, making their mission and the task of coaching them a more complex and intricate undertaking.

In this article, we’ll look at five (5) common challenges faced by coaches and leaders in a cross-cultural environment and how to tackle them.

1. Language Barriers

First things first. Workplace communication can be tricky due to differences in how people talk and express themselves from one place to another. Being direct here might come across as impolite there.

Case study: A Japanese employee might find an American colleague’s directness as rude, while an American employee might perceive the Japanese colleague’s indirectness as evasiveness. Such disparities highlight the importance of understanding (and respecting) language differences in a multicultural work environment, and adjust your leadership style as needed.

Not recognizing these gaps will lead to problems, and workplace communication statistics often leave no place to doubt: 86% of employees and executives point to the lack of effective communication and collaboration as the main cause of failure at work.

To deal with this, it’s important to understand these various communication styles and adjust as needed.

2. Cultural Norms

Leaders should possess sensitivity for cultural norms where they operate so as to prevent misunderstandings. 

For example, in some cultures, direct eye contact is considered rude, while in others, it shows respect. Leaders can solve this by learning and by encouraging more open discussions within the team.

Another example is time management, which can vary among cultures. Some prioritize punctuality, while others are more flexible. Leaders should set clear expectations to avoid conflicts or delays and ensure a harmonious work environment.

3. Leadership Expectations

Different people and cultures have varied views on leadership. Leaders should take these views into consideration, be culturally aware (by reading papers on leadership styles and preferences as diverse as the ones in China and Scandinavia for example) and refine their approach to build trust with their subordinates.

4. Time Zones

Coordinating tasks across multiple time zones can turn into a significant headache when teams are dispersed in various places. Leaders must skillfully navigate this to facilitate seamless operations, collaboration and performance.

For instance, scheduling more meetings to accommodate the various time zones or distributing time zone conversion tools in the office to reinforce the team members’ awareness of others can provide the solution.

5. Achieving Cohesion

Creating a sense of unity among team members from varied backgrounds is not easy. Leaders should encourage an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their origins.

Various actions can be taken: Organizing cultural awareness training sessions, hosting events celebrating cultural diversity, promoting open dialogues and active listening, planning team-building activities, implementing inclusive policies that accommodate diverse cultural norms, such as flexible working hours or leave for cultural and religious observances, etc.

Helping You Choose the Right Tools and Strategies

At the end of the day, overcoming such challenges boils down to understanding, respect, and adaptation. By embracing diversity and leveraging it as a strength, you can lead your team to new heights of success. And equipped with the right tools and strategies, you can become an more effective cross-cultural leader.

Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching® is here to support your development:

• Understand cross-cultural implications in executive coaching with master coach John Reed in Conversations With Coaches, Season 2 Episode 1
• Learn the Foundations of Stakeholder Centered Coaching® with a free online course – Registration here