Direct vs Indirect communication, and the art of being subtle

Direct vs Indirect communication, and the art of being subtle 👥

Being subtle is an art in itself - expressing meaning through few or indirect words is a wonderful skill.

If you have worked with individuals from different nationalities, as well as approach them at industry events. You have likely experienced communication barriers that go beyond language itself.

This topic is widely researched in corporate communications and feedback culture. In the book "No Rules Rules" by Reed Hastings, various cultural communication styles are explored, from very direct Dutch approaches to extreme indirect Japanese.

Even within Europe, we see diverse approaches:

🇳🇱 The Dutch super direct and 🇩🇪 Germans very direct

🇪🇸 Spaniards somewhere in the middle, highly context dependent. Definitely we speak louder ;)

🇨🇭 The Swiss often favor indirect and subtle approaches

After adapting to many cultures throughout my career, I have chosen to embrace directness. While I can be subtle, the risk of misunderstanding is greater, and I don't consider it the most effective method. Though directness might occasionally make some uncomfortable, most people appreciate honesty and efficiency. In my experience, clear communication saves time and builds trust.

Always be respectful, sympathetic and aware of the other person's reactions. That's the key to a fruitful conversation.

What’s your take? Are you direct, indirect or change when you know the other person's background?