Culture-sensitive communication: mediator Ali Al Hadaui on connecting in the workplace

Intercultural communication often seems to be about "the other" over language, origin or religion. But according to mediator, trainer and trust person Ali Al Hadaui, it is much broader. In episode #30 of the Anders Thinking Podcast, he shares how culture-sensitive communication contributes to connection and trust in organizations.

From cultural difference to behavioral difference

"Culture is not a flag or belief. It is the collective programming of our behavior," says Al Hadaui. He is referring to how people, shaped by family, school, community and religion, express their values. And that's where things often go wrong: not at the level of the value (such as respect or collegiality), but in how it is expressed. What one person sees as commitment may actually feel intrusive to another.

In organizations, this quickly leads to misunderstandings. "Behavior is visible, intention is not," said Al Hadaui. And when things fray, people often seek not connection, but confirmation of their own rightness.

Giving feedback without judgment

A recurring theme in the conversation is feedback. According to Al Hadaui, people often do not dare to give feedback when it is needed. His advice: don't turn your heart into a pit, but formulate feedback from a personal perspective. Not as judgment, but as an invitation to conversation. And be prepared to learn for yourself as well.

Making organizational culture explicit

What does collegiality mean? What does respect look like? Many organizations take these topics for granted. But especially in diverse teams - with differences in background, generation or communication style - it is important to make those values explicit. "A value is only valuable when you flesh it out together," says Al Hadaui. With that, he asks organizations to invest not only in onboarding or diversity, but also in daily dialogue.

Beyond the labels

Ali's message is clear: Culture-sensitive communication is not a method or model. It is an attitude. A willingness to reflect on what you yourself are doing and how that comes across to the other person. Or, as he himself puts it, "Don't point right away, but first step back and examine your own reaction."