What Does Optimism Mean Across Cultures?
What does optimism mean in global teams? Discover how Dutch, American, and South East Asian cultures define optimism—and how to align expectations.
Optimism in International Teams: Same Word, Different Meaning
I recently coached a manager from South East Asia who was working for a Dutch company in their New York office. He managed a multicultural team, primarily Dutch and American. Yet despite shared goals and clear responsibilities, the team struggled with alignment. Everyone seemed to be working in parallel rather than together.
When we explored the issue, the conversation turned to optimism, one of the company’s stated team values.
What followed revealed a classic challenge in cross-cultural communication and global leadership:
We use the same word, but we do not mean the same thing.
What Does Optimism Mean in South East Asian Business Culture?
To this manager, optimism meant showing steadiness and staying positive in the face of uncertainty. It reflected:
Calm belief that things will work out
Patience during ambiguity
Maintaining harmony
Not burdening others with unnecessary worries
Optimism was quiet confidence. Stable. Composed. Relational.
But that interpretation did not automatically resonate with his Dutch and American colleagues.
What Does Optimism Mean in American Business Culture?
In the United States, optimism is often tied to:
Confidence
Visible enthusiasm
Forward momentum
Risk-taking
Can-do energy
It sounds like:
“Yes, we can.”
“There’s always a way forward.”
“Let’s figure it out as we go.”
Optimism in American workplace culture is active and outward.
Show energy. Project positivity. Believe big.
Not showing optimism may be interpreted as disengagement or lack of conviction.
What Does Optimism Mean in Dutch Business Culture?
In the Netherlands, optimism tends to be pragmatic and fact-based. It often means:
Realistic expectations
Evidence-driven confidence
Critical thinking
Direct communication
It sounds like:
“We’ll be optimistic… if the numbers support it.”
“Let’s stay positive, but practical.”
“Enthusiasm is great—show me the data.”
Over-promising or excessive positivity may reduce credibility. In Dutch business culture, grounded realism signals professionalism.
Why Cultural Differences in Values Create Misalignment
This is where multicultural teams run into friction.
American enthusiasm may feel unrealistic to Dutch colleagues.
Dutch realism may feel negative to Americans.
South East Asian composure may be misread as lack of engagement.
No one is wrong.
But expectations are different.
In international business, values like optimism, ownership, transparency, or leadership are culturally coded. Without clarification, teams assume alignment — and misinterpret behavior.
This is a common challenge in managing global teams, Dutch-American collaboration, and international expansion to the US.
Same Value, Different Expressions
As with communication across cultures, we use the same word, but not the same meaning.
When leaders fail to operationalize values across cultures, teams experience:
Reduced trust
Parallel decision-making
Frustration
Lower engagement
Alignment does not happen automatically. It requires explicit conversation.
Key Takeaway for Global Leaders
If your organization operates across borders, ask yourself:
What does optimism look like in observable behavior?
How should it show up in meetings?
How do we balance realism and positivity?
What does “constructive mindset” mean in practice?
Shared values only work when they are clearly defined in a multicultural context.
Final Reflection
International teams do not struggle because of cultural differences.
They struggle because those differences remain unspoken.
Optimism is not universal.
It is interpreted through culture.
If you lead a Dutch company expanding into the US, or manage American and European teams , clarifying values is not optional. It is strategic.
Ready to bridge the gap?
Join my workshop “Working Successfully with Americans”, or organize an inhouse workshop. You will learn how to turn these Dutch American differences into advantages, with real-life examples, interactive exercises, and practical strategies you can apply right away! Click here to be notified of the next workshop or schedule a call to discuss customized in house options, consulting and coaching.