Cross-Cultural
5 Phrases That Work Well in Global Teams
Working across cultures requires more than just speaking English—it demands clarity, sensitivity, and inclusive communication. Idioms, sarcasm, and culture-specific references often create confusion in global teams. These five phrases are universally clear, respectful, and effective across cultures. They help you collaborate seamlessly with colleagues worldwide, avoid misunderstandings, and build stronger international working relationships through thoughtful, inclusive language that transcends cultural boundaries.
Target Vocabulary & Phrases
1
"Just to clarify, do you mean...?"
This phrase politely confirms understanding without implying the other person was unclear. It's culturally neutral and encourages clarification, which is crucial when working across different communication styles and language proficiency levels.
Example: After a colleague explains a deadline: "Just to clarify, do you mean we need the draft by end of business Friday, Tokyo time?"
2
"Could you give me an example?"
Examples bridge language and cultural gaps better than abstract explanations. This phrase is direct, easy to understand, and helps everyone get on the same page regardless of their English proficiency or cultural background.
Example: During a requirements discussion: "Could you give me an example of what you mean by 'aggressive timeline'? That way we're aligned on expectations."
3
"Let me summarize what I heard..."
Summarizing confirms shared understanding and gives others a chance to correct misinterpretations. It's especially valuable in multicultural settings where nuances might be lost in translation or cultural context.
Example: After a complex discussion: "Let me summarize what I heard: we'll launch in Germany first, then expand to France in Q3. Is that correct?"
4
"I appreciate your perspective on this."
This acknowledges input respectfully without necessarily agreeing. It's culturally sensitive, values diverse viewpoints, and helps maintain positive relationships even during disagreements or different approaches.
Example: When a colleague suggests a different approach: "I appreciate your perspective on this. Let's explore both options and see which fits our constraints best."
5
"Can we document that decision in writing?"
Written documentation prevents misunderstandings across time zones and language barriers. It's professional, creates accountability, and ensures everyone has a clear reference point regardless of cultural communication preferences.
Example: After reaching agreement in a meeting: "Can we document that decision in writing? I'll draft a summary and share it with the team for review."
Test Your Knowledge
Choose the most culturally appropriate phrase for each global team situation:
1. Your colleague in Singapore mentioned a deadline, but you're not sure about the time zone. What do you say?
2. A team member from Brazil uses a term you're unfamiliar with. How do you respond?
3. After a long meeting with your German and Japanese colleagues, you want to confirm everyone is aligned. What's best?
4. Your Indian colleague suggests an approach different from yours. How do you respond respectfully?
5. Your global team just made an important decision. What should you do to prevent misunderstandings?