Leading Global Teams Effectively: Avoiding Western Pitfalls with the Triple A Model
The Harvard Business Review article “Leading Global Teams Effectively” (May 2025) spotlights a critical challenge: Western leaders, trained in individualistic values like autonomy and transparency, often struggle to engage the 70% of the global workforce shaped by collectivist, hierarchical cultures. While the article identifies four common missteps—too much autonomy, psychological safety, emphasis on differences, and transparency—it stops short of offering a practical roadmap for sustainable change. As a cross-cultural trainer working with leaders from Shanghai to San Francisco, I’ve seen how well-intentioned Western assumptions derail collaboration. To bridge this gap, I developed and teach the Triple A Model—Awareness, Appreciation, Adaptation—a framework that moves beyond stereotypes to foster inclusive, agile leadership. Here’s how to apply it to HBR’s four pitfalls. 1. Too Much Autonomy: Recognize That “Empowerment” Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All Western leaders often assume autonomy universally motivates, but in hierarchical cultures (e.g., Vietnam, Saudi Arabia), unclear directives can signal neglect rather than trust. Triple A Approach: Key Shift: Replace “Why aren’t they taking initiative?” with “How can I clarify expectations in a culturally resonant way?” 2. Too Much Psychological Safety: Respect Silence as Strategy While Westerners equate psychological safety with open debate, many collectivist cultures (e.g., Japan, Ghana) prioritize harmony and indirect communication. Triple A Approach: Key Shift: Move from “We need more candid dialogue!” to “How can we design safe spaces that honor diverse communication styles?” 3. Too Much Emphasis on Differences: Balance Culture with Commonalities While understanding differences is vital, overemphasizing them breeds stereotyping. A Dutch team I worked with labeled their Indonesian colleagues “risk-averse,” missing their innovative approaches to relationship-driven problem-solving. Triple A Approach: Key Shift: Replace “They’re just different” with “How do our differences strengthen our shared mission?” 4. Too Much Transparency: Honor Face and Indirect Feedback Radical transparency can alienate face-saving cultures (e.g., South Korea, Turkey), where public critique risks shame and eroded trust. Triple A Approach: Key Shift: Move from “Why can’t they handle honesty?” to “How can I deliver feedback in a way that preserves dignity?” The Triple A Model in Action: From Theory to Practice The Triple A Model isn’t about abandoning Western leadership principles—it’s about curating them. For example: Global Leadership is a Journey, Not a Checklist Cultural intelligence isn’t about memorizing dos and don’ts—it’s about cultivating curiosity, humility, and the willingness to re-examine your assumptions. As I remind clients: “Your cultural lens is just one way of seeing the world. The magic happens when you learn to see through others’ eyes too.” Download your free copy of the Triple A Cheat Sheet Here Terence is a cross-cultural trainer and founder of Upskill Consulting. He specializes in helping leaders transform cultural friction into innovation. Adapted from HBR’s “Leading Global Teams Effectively” (May 2025), reimagined through the Triple A Model—a practical framework for leaders committed to inclusive, adaptive collaboration. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.
Leading Global Teams Effectively: Avoiding Western Pitfalls with the Triple A Model Read More »