How to Give (and Receive) Feedback in Multicultural Teams

n today’s global business world, many professionals work with people from different countries and cultures. Whether you work in a Latin American startup, a European corporation, or a U.S.-based remote team, giving and receiving feedback is a key part of teamwork.

But here’s the challenge: not every culture communicates feedback the same way. What sounds honest and helpful in one country might sound rude or confusing in another.

Different Cultures, Different Styles

In some countries, like the U.S., Germany, or the Netherlands, people usually give feedback directly. They say exactly what they think, even if it sounds a little critical.

For example, a U.S. manager might say:

“This report is not clear. Please improve the structure before tomorrow.”

In other countries, such as Brazil, Japan, or Colombia, feedback is often more indirect. People try to be polite and protect the other person’s feelings.

A Brazilian colleague might say:

“There are some good ideas here. Maybe we could look at the structure again together?”

Both styles are valid—but they can lead to misunderstandings. A Dutch team leader may be too direct for a Mexican teammate, while a Japanese manager might be too soft for a Canadian intern to fully understand the problem.

Tips for Giving Feedback Across Cultures

When working in multicultural teams, it’s important to find the right balance between clarity and politeness.

Here are a few helpful strategies:

• Start with something positive→ This helps build trust.“Thanks for your work on this project.”

• Be clear but respectful→ Focus on the task, not the person.“Let’s make sure the data is accurate before we send it to the client.”

• Offer help→ Show that you want to support, not criticize.“If you want, I can share how I usually organize the slides.”

• End with encouragement→ Motivate the person to keep improving.“I’m sure the next version will be even better.”

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This style of feedback—positive, then suggestion, then positive—is often called the “feedback sandwich”, and it works well in many cultures.

How to Receive Feedback Professionally

Receiving feedback can also feel different depending on your background. Some people are used to very honest feedback. Others might feel surprised or hurt if the message is too direct.

Wherever you’re from, it helps to:

• Listen carefully

• Ask questions if you don’t understand

• Say thank you

• Stay open-minded

For example, in U.S. teams, you might hear someone say:

“Thanks for the feedback—I’ll make the changes.”In Argentina, a more typical reply might be:“I appreciate the suggestion. I’ll review it and do my best.”

The important thing is to show that you are open to learning and improving.

Final Thoughts

Feedback is a powerful tool. When used correctly, it helps people grow and teams succeed. But when cultures collide, it can lead to stress or confusion. The key is to be aware of different styles and adjust your approach.

If you’re working in a multicultural team, don’t just focus on what is said—think about how it’s said, and how it might be heard.

Discussion Questions

• In your country, do people usually give feedback directly or indirectly?

• Have you ever felt uncomfortable receiving feedback from someone from another culture?

• What do you do when you don’t understand someone’s feedback?

• What’s the best way to give feedback to someone from a different background?