🫶 Working Across Cultures? Be Curious, Not Careful
Hello, Hello!
Canada — especially Toronto — is a cultural pot. You meet people from every corner of the globe. And if you're lucky, you get to work, laugh, and learn with them too.
After 20+ years here, I’ve had (and still have) the privilege of working with incredible colleagues, clients, and friends from all kinds of cultural backgrounds. And while that’s a gift, it also comes with its challenges.
When you come from a different culture, it’s easy to focus on what doesn’t work: habits that clash, intentions that get misunderstood, or communication styles that feel off. That’s where respect and open-mindedness become non-negotiables.
It’s tempting to stereotype. To assume. To generalize. But communication — real communication — doesn’t thrive on assumptions. It thrives on curiosity.
And let’s not forget the language barrier. I’ll never forget my first job interview in Canada. I could barely understand English. I kept looking at the second person in the room to repeat what the main interviewer had just said. Every other sentence. It was embarrassing. (Spoiler: I didn’t get the job.)
Today, we’re talking about what it takes to work with cultural differences — not around them.
Enjoy,
— Aderson
🫶 Embrace What Makes Us Different: Why Cultural Curiosity Beats Cautious Silence
Ever held back from asking someone about a holiday or tradition because you were afraid it might sound weird or offensive? You’re not alone. Most of us were told to avoid anything that might seem "too personal" at work, especially when it comes to cultural differences.
But here’s the truth: avoiding cultural conversations often creates more distance, not less. The real key to building better relationships across cultures isn’t avoiding differences—it’s celebrating them.
Quick Summary
✅ We’re more alike than we think—but our differences are worth noticing
🎯 You don’t need to be an expert, just be curious and respectful
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Culture is not just country—it’s how people work, think, speak, and feel heard
🌏 1. Culture Isn’t a Risk—It’s an Opportunity
If you’ve ever said to yourself, “I don’t want to offend them”, that’s a good instinct. It means you care. But don’t let that care turn into silence.
Asking questions like, 👉 “What’s that holiday you’re celebrating?” 👉 “I noticed that you log off early on Fridays—can I ask why?” 👉 “Is there anything I should know about how your team likes to run meetings?” …can open doors.
People are usually happy to share, if you’re asking from a place of genuine curiosity—not judgment.
When we lean into difference, we invite connection. When we avoid it, we build invisible walls.
Curiosity beats caution every single time.
📚 2. You Don’t Need to Know Everything—Just Ask the First Question
You don’t need a PhD in global cultures to have meaningful cross-cultural conversations. You just need to ask one thoughtful question.
Here’s the shift: From: “I don’t want to say the wrong thing, so I’ll stay quiet.” To: “I may not know much, but I’d love to learn.”
Instead of trying to avoid offense, try saying:
“Hey, I’ve never worked with someone from [X background] before—if I ever get something wrong, feel free to tell me. I want to be mindful.”
This makes people feel seen and respected. And it gives you permission to learn with them, not about them from a distance.
🗓️ 3. Culture Shows Up in the Little Things—Especially at Work
Culture isn’t just about food, music, or clothes. It’s about how people:
- handle conflict
- express disagreement
- ask for help
- show leadership
- give or expect feedback
You might think someone is "rude" because they’re direct—or "passive" because they’re more reserved. But maybe they’re just showing up the way they were taught.
This is where celebration kicks in: When you notice how someone works differently—and you ask about it with respect—you start to build trust that goes way beyond cultural boundaries.
You’re not just honoring their background. You’re telling them: "You don’t have to work extra hard to fit in with me. I see you.”
🧾 Final Thoughts
We’ve been taught that professionalism means keeping things neutral. But when you recognize, ask about, and celebrate cultural differences, you’re doing something better than professional. You’re being human.
Next time someone mentions a custom, belief, or habit that you’re unfamiliar with—don’t freeze. Lean in. Ask. Smile. Because cultural curiosity isn’t awkward. It’s leadership.
“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” — Stephen R. Covey