Why do certain behaviors in multicultural teams trigger discomfort—and why does that discomfort often go both ways?

In this episode of The Multicultural Leader, Andrés Molina explores a subtle but powerful truth: when cultural differences frustrate us, it’s often because we assume those differences are personal. But the behaviors that irritate us—lateness, indirect feedback, silence, or assertiveness—are usually not disrespectful. They’re culturally appropriate actions misread across boundaries.

We dive into key frameworks from cultural anthropology, attribution theory, and cross-cultural psychology to understand:

• Why behaviors like punctuality, directness, or silence create reciprocal discomfort

• How to apply cultural relativity to reduce judgment and reframe differences

• What attribution errors can do to trust in global teams

• Real-life clashes between American and Japanese work cultures—and how they were resolved

• The limits of cultural adaptation: when to adjust and when to set respectful boundaries

• Why leaders must create a culture of psychological safety in diverse teams

• Small strategies that reduce tension and foster collaboration across cultures

Packed with insights, practical tips, and relatable examples, this episode helps global leaders build empathy and effectiveness when leading culturally diverse teams. You'll walk away with actionable tools to:

• Shift your mindset from frustration to curiosity

• Avoid false assumptions that damage trust

• Foster mutual respect without sacrificing your core values

Whether you're managing an international team, navigating cultural tensions at work, or building global leadership skills, this episode will help you lead with confidence and cultural intelligence.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you found this valuable. Because in multicultural leadership, what bothers you about others might be exactly what bothers them about you—and that insight changes everything.