How do I adapt from working in a "high context" culture to a "low" one?

You're in a meeting in Toronto, Canada. You just transferred to Toronto from your company's office in Dubai. Your boss, Mark, proposes a new plan. You think it’s too risky, but you want to be polite.

• You: "It’s a very brave and creative proposal...perhaps we could look at more data points later?"

• Mark: "Brave? I love it! Let's move forward then. Thanks for the support!"

• You (internal monologue): "Wait! I meant it's a disaster! Why didn't he get the hint?"

What went wrong? Mark didn't "read between the lines" because in his culture, there are no lines to read.

Adapting to cultural differences is a crucial skill for thriving in low context environments like Toronto. Learn to translate "polite suggestions" into "clear feedback".

Photo by Afif Ramdhasuma on Unsplash

Mark wasn't being unperceptive — he was just being "low-context". That awkward moment with the word "brave" is a classic example of what experts call a "context clash".

According to Edward T. Hall’s foundational research, the world is divided by how much "unspoken" information we use. To see how this applies to your office today, Erin Meyer’s Culture Map ranks countries like the US as the most "low-context" culture and Japan as the most "high-context" culture in the world.

So, what’s the big difference? It all boils down to one question: How much of the "message" is hidden in the environment versus the words being spoken? Let's break down these two styles:

High Context

• Includes China, Japan, Korea, and Arab nations

• Communication is sophisticated and layered. You need to "read between the lines". The message is in the relationship and the environment.

• Example: If a proposal is bad, a boss might say, "This is interesting, let's think more about it." (Translation: It's a no).

Low Context

• Includes USA, Germany, Netherlands, and Canada

• Communication is explicit, simple, and clear. The message is in the words. If it’s not said, it didn’t happen.

• Example: If a proposal is bad, a boss will say, "This won't work because of X and Y." (Translation: It's a no).

Back to the conversation you're having with Mark:

• What you said: "It's a brave proposal." 👄

• What Mark heard: "This is an exciting, bold idea!" 👂🏻

• Your real meaning: "This is dangerously risky." 💡

• What you said: "Perhaps we could look at data later." 👄

• What Mark heard: "The data is fine for now. Let's check it again in a few months." 👂🏻

• Your real meaning: "We need more data right now before we fail." 💡

You can pivot your communication style for maximum impact:

1. Use "Upgraders"

Low-context speakers use "upgraders" — words that strengthen the point—to ensure clarity.

• Stop saying: "Maybe," "Perhaps," or "A little bit."

• Start saying: "I strongly suggest," "This is critical," or "I completely disagree."

2. State Your Conclusion First

Don't build up to your point with long explanations. State your conclusion first, then give the reason.

• The formula: [Clear Conclusion] + [Fact-based Reason]

• Example: "I have a concern. This plan is too risky because we lack Q3 data."

Let’s see how the same meeting goes when you use your new low context tools:

• Mark: "So, what do you think of this creative plan?"

• You (optimized): "Mark, I have a major concern. I strongly suggest we look at the Q3 data first. Without it, this plan is too risky for our budget."

• Mark: "Oh, I see. 'Too risky' is a good point. Let's pull that data now before we move further. Thanks for being direct!"

You (internal monologue): "Wow, being direct actually worked! No one's feelings were hurt, and the project is safe."

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

You're working in a low context office culture and want to tell a colleague their work needs improvement. What is the most effective approach?

A. Say, "It's a good start, but maybe we can look at it again next week?"

B. Say, "I have some specific feedback. Section 2 is missing data. Please update it by tomorrow."

C. Stay silent and fix it yourself so they don't feel embarrassed.

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Transitioning to a low context culture is like learning a new language where "what you say" matters more than "how you feel".

The secret sauce? Realizing that being direct isn't being rude — it’s being helpful!

Photo by Kristina spremo on Unsplash

To put your low context communication skills into practice, follow these steps: