In multicultural teams, the behaviors that frustrate us the most aren’t loud, visible, or easy to name. They’re quiet. Subtle. And by the time we feel their full effect, trust is already eroding.

In this episode of The Multicultural Leader, host Andrés Molina explores one of the most overlooked challenges in cross-cultural leadership: how invisible behaviors—tone, silence, indirectness, or style—cause deep misunderstandings and tension when left unspoken.

Using the iceberg model and the onion model of culture, we examine how the most meaningful aspects of cultural identity lie beneath the surface, where they are least likely to be seen—and least likely to be addressed.

You’ll learn:

• Why visible differences (like clothing or food) rarely cause real team friction

• How subtle communication styles can lead to long-term trust issues

• The importance of addressing low-grade discomfort before it becomes a major problem

• Why feedback often fails in multicultural teams—and how to fix it

• Real-world examples from global teams in the U.S. and Japan

• Leadership strategies to foster psychological safety and early dialogue

• How models like the cultural iceberg help teams avoid silent breakdowns

This episode gives you the tools to surface and address the invisible dynamics that undermine global teamwork—from misinterpreted tone to unspoken cultural expectations.

Whether you’re a global manager, intercultural consultant, or team leader working across borders, this conversation will help you:

• Recognize early warning signs in team interactions

• Build empathy for different communication norms

• Lead with cultural awareness, before misunderstandings take root

Listen in and discover why what’s beneath the surface matters most—and how to lead your multicultural team with greater clarity, trust, and collaboration.