Time is relative - respect isn't: mastering global communication

When you work internationally, you quickly realize one thing:

Time is relative.

Yes, literally.

Einstein taught us this:

→ The faster you move, the slower time seems to pass.
→ Time isn't absolute. It's experienced differently depending on where you are and how you're moving.

But when your job involves crossing cultures and continents, you understand something even deeper:

Time isn't just physically relative, it's culturally relative too.

Have you ever found yourself frustrated, wondering:

"Why does everything take so long when I deal with certain countries?"

The answer might not be purely cultural.

Maybe, in a strange twist, it's physics too.

Let's explore this:

When you travel internationally, your perception of time changes dramatically. Jet lag isn't just tiredness; it's literally your body's confusion about the "reality" of time!

You physically feel that time is different.

And it's not just the jet lag; different parts of the world literally move at their own pace.

Think about major cities:

→ New York runs faster than a small coastal town in Italy.
→ Tokyo’s pace feels radically different from Lisbon's.

The rhythm of life varies, influenced by geography, history, climate, and yes, cultural norms.

Yet there's something universally crucial:

Respecting other people’s time.

When you're working internationally, simple gestures matter greatly: like clearly scheduling meetings.

For example, when I schedule an international call, I never simply say:

"Let's meet at 10 am."

Instead, I say:

"Let's meet at 10 am my time, which is 3 pm your time."

Why is this so important?

Because showing respect for someone's time is a direct way of respecting the person.

Imagine this scenario:

Someone schedules a call with you but doesn't specify the time clearly. You have to double-check, Google the time zone, and verify the exact hour. It might seem trivial, but it's subtly disrespectful. It sends a message:

"My convenience matters more than yours."

When you leave someone guessing, you're showing them you haven't taken a moment to consider their perspective.

In international relationships - business, diplomatic, or personal - such a small oversight can set the tone negatively from the very start.

In human intelligence (HUMINT), handling humans globally teaches you the crucial importance of respect in building trust and rapport. Small details communicate deep messages. I teach this in my online courses.

So, here’s how you can improve:

→ Always clearly state your local time.
→ Always clearly state the other person's local time.

It’s simple, right?

Yet it’s one of the most powerful gestures you can make.

Remember:

Time might be relative, but respect isn’t.

Show your respect clearly, from the very first interaction.