Because creativity doesn’t speak just one language
In today’s interconnected world, working on a project often means working across borders, including cultural, linguistic, and conceptual ones. And while time zones and translations are obvious challenges, the deeper complexities are often subtler: tone, expectations, ways of relating, or how “collaboration” itself is understood.
At wonnd, we’ve worked with international teams, taught students from across the globe, and led projects with partners in multiple countries and continents – one of our own team members is based in Brazil, and we manage LATAM projects directly from there. These experiences have taught us that managing multicultural projects isn’t just about being efficient; it’s about being human.
In a world where AI dominates conversations, we believe in the power of the human perspective to navigate intercultural relations.
We share 7 tips we’ve learnt for navigating these complexities:
1. Pay attention to non-verbal communication
Tone, pace, silence, and facial expressions – these can mean very different things depending on where someone is from. Try not to rely only on words to understand what’s really being said.
2. Clarify what’s meant, not just what’s said
Language can be tricky. Jokes, irony, or casual phrasing might work in one culture but fall flat—or worse, offend—in another. Double-check that your message is being understood as intended, especially when it comes to key concepts.
3. Collaborate with local voices
Bringing in someone with cultural and linguistic fluency makes all the difference. For example, our collaborator Hannah supports us with UK English writing, ensuring not just grammatical accuracy, but also tone, formality, and cultural context.
4. Build relationships beyond the task
In many cultures, trust is relational, not transactional. A short conversation about family, food, or local life might do more for your project than any contract clause. People are more likely to contribute their best when they feel seen.
5. Be open, not assumptive
You don’t need to know every culture, but you do need to be honest about what you don’t know. Show curiosity, avoid stereotypes, and ask questions with genuine interest. Respect starts with humility.
Empathy for really understanding who is sitting in front of you. Understanding others’ motivations and needs may make the difference.
6. Create shared understanding
Before jumping into execution, take time to align on the “why” and “how.” Define clear goals, shared methodologies, and expectations. A common ground is essential when each team might see “success” a little differently.
7. Respect different rhythms
Time means different things in different places. Where Nordic teams might want detailed plans and punctuality, Latino teams may prioritise flexibility and flow. A good multicultural work system plans ahead, sets clear deadlines, and leaves room for adaptation.
In the end, multicultural project management is not about avoiding friction, but knowing how to use differences as a strength. It’s about designing not just for people across cultures, but with them.
At wonnd, we’ve learnt that respect, curiosity, listening, and well-structured work plans can turn cultural complexity into creative opportunities.
Let’s keep creating together – beyond borders.
* Cover photo: “Clown du cirque Fernando” by Joseph Faverot (~1885)
