Working across differences

Norms vary.

Directness

How openly disagreement is voiced differs by culture and by organisation. Silence may mean assent, discomfort, or that a more senior person has not spoken yet.

Ask for views individually when a group stays quiet.
Avoid idioms and humour that do not translate.

Language

Colleagues working in a second language follow content better than speed. Slow down, write things down, and never mistake accent for ability.