9 Power Moves for Negotiating Cross-Cultural Business Deals

If you're operating globally, you're negotiating across cultures—whether you're aware of it or not. Every country has its own rules, rhythms, and relationship expectations, and assuming your default style will land everywhere the same way is a mistake that costs companies both money and momentum. The key isn't just adapting once you’re in the room. It’s preparing before you get there and knowing how to move with both precision and respect. Over time, you learn what works, what stalls, and what builds trust that lasts. These nine moves will help you navigate cross-cultural negotiations with more clarity, confidence, and results. 1. Do Real Research Before You Meet You can't wing it when you're stepping into another culture's business environment. Before any cross-border meeting, you need to understand the social cues, norms, and expectations that will shape the conversation. It’s not just about translation—it’s about meaning. In some countries, interrupting s...