Hearing The System with Maik & Juan

Same Words, Different Worlds: How Culture Shapes Communication

Maik Seyfert & Juan Castillo Episode 6

Why do some teams seem to click instantly while others misfire — even when everyone speaks the same language?

In this episode, we unpack how cultural differences influence communication styles, feedback, decision-making, and even silence. From Edward T. Hall’s theory of high-context vs. low-context cultures to surprising real-life misunderstandings, we explore what happens when people from different cultural backgrounds try to work together — and how to do it better.

We’ll talk about:

  • Why “yes” might mean “no” (and vice versa)
  • Why directness can feel rude — or refreshing
  • How cultural blind spots show up in teams
  • Simple tools to navigate complexity, build trust, and avoid unnecessary friction

Whether you're leading a global team, working in a multicultural environment, or just curious about how culture silently shapes our conversations — this one’s for you.

🌍 Explore your own cultural profile here:
 👉 Hofstede Insights – Compare Countries