In my 20+ years working on international construction projects—some with over 60 cultures represented and tens of thousands of people—I’ve seen firsthand that project success isn’t just about plans and schedules. It’s about people.
Cultural differences show up in subtle ways: how we communicate, make decisions, or even say no. I’ve worked on projects where a missed cultural cue led to delayed timelines—not because of poor work, but because of different expectations around communication.
That’s why I use the Map-Bridge-Integrate (MBI) model:
- Map the differences
- Bridge them through shared understanding
- Integrate them into a stronger, unified team
Intercultural management isn’t about memorizing rules for every culture. It’s about staying curious, adaptable, and open to different ways of working—because when you do, cultural diversity becomes a strength, not a barrier
I share more insights and practical strategies in my book, Construction Project Management Success (available on Amazon).
