“Common Sense” is Not Universal

🤔 The phrase “it’s just common sense” can close conversations very quickly.
In cross-cultural environments, it can also unintentionally create distance. What one teacher sees as proactive behaviour, another may see as overstepping. What one leader experiences as silence or disengagement, another may experience as politeness or thoughtful restraint.

The difficult part is that most of us are not consciously trying to impose our cultural assumptions on others. We genuinely believe certain behaviours are simply normal. That is why cross-cultural communication requires more than awareness. It requires the willingness to examine the invisible rules we carry with us every day.

🌱 Sometimes growth begins with recognising that our “normal” is not neutral.

Our cross-cultural cards can help you reflect on more aspects of intercultural communication. Get them here, in The Bright Side’s shop.