The Culture Map by Erin Meyer

Synopsis

When cultures clash, it's easy to feel lost and misunderstood, which can lead to a great deal of intense frustration and profound confusion for everyone. Let's explore the concept of high and low context communication. Understanding this key difference in how we send messages is an absolute game changer. Bridge the distance between global teams and unlock truly effective collaboration with professionals wherever they are in the world, in what are known as low context cultures.

Communication is most effective when it is explicit and clear with all meaning carried by the words used. In high context cultures, meaning is often unspoken, relying on shared understanding where listeners are expected to infer intent and read the air for total clarity in your writing.

Define expectations upfront: state exactly who does what and by when to get everyone on the same page verbally. Confirming next steps after a meeting. Using simple terms isn't rude; it is a vital tool for ensuring everyone is on the same page.

On video calls, invite high context colleagues to speak by name, as they're often waiting for a direct prompt to share their unique perspectives.