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ThoughtImproving my Intercultural Leadership


Journal

Ten Tips for the Intercultural Leader

1. Learn about the cultures of people that you work and interact with. Start from scratch and forget your assumptions and stereotypes. There are many free online resources.

2. Get a book about intercultural communication and learn about the subject from an academic level. Noted academics such as Geert Hofstede, Fons Trompenaars and David Hall have all published books that will go a long way in unravelling the intricacies of cultural differences.

3. Take some formal training from intercultural experts. For very little outlay a day course can go a long way in helping you understand how culture impacts you and your work.

4. Try and attend events or occasions where you can submerge yourself in another culture. Use the opportunity to observe how people communicate and interact with one another. If you get the chance to travel abroad do the same when there.

5. Start listening and paying more attention when dealing with someone from another culture. You will be surprised how much you pick up by slowing down. Don’t jump to conclusions and think actions and behaviours through.

6. Temper your own communication style. Pay attention to the rate at which you speak, what non-verbal messages you may be sending, ask for confirmation of understanding, avoid using slang and idioms.

7. Learn to tolerate uncertainty. There will be a great deal of unknowns when doing business across cultures. Definitive, concrete answers may not always be given. Focus on what you can determine and try to let go of minor details that are unclear.

8. Be patient with others and yourself. Don’t give-up. A proper intercultural library of knowledge only comes with time.

9. Keep on top of your own development. Continually assess your advancement and make adjustments.

10. Ask for help and don’t be afraid to apologise for mistakes. People generally are appreciative that you are trying to understand them.

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/cultural-services/articles/tips-intercultural-leadership.html

Reflection

I aim to use these tips as a guideline to follow when working within groups, which at Brookes are normally multi cultural and because I normally take up to some degree a leadership role.

I will also hopefully be able to build upon these in my future career.

 
MATTHEW EDWARD DYSON created this on 05 May 2009.
This was last edited on 05 May 2009.
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