Introduction to Cross-Cultural Teams

Diversity can improve results. But plenty of research shows that multicultural teams and diverse teams tend to perform less effectively than homogenous teams, when not managed well. In this video, I introduce the topic of cross-cultural teams. There will be more videos to follow. Watching this video is worth 2 Management Courses CPD Points*. (See below for more details) This video is part of course module number Program 4: Managing & Leading Groups Course 3: Teams Section 6: Cross-cultural Teams Other videos in this section include: 🎬 Developing Cross-Cultural Awareness 🔗 🎬 Dimensions of Cross-Cultural Differences 🔗 🎬 Tips for Cross-Cultural Working 🔗 LESSON NOTES Lines blur between the cultural differences and individual differences. And this leads to frustration and resentment among the team. Cross-cultural leaders have skills in bridging differences, and a high level of cultural competency. In their absence, conflict begins to erode trust, goodwill, and rapport. What are really cultural differences can be ascribed to individual personality. Or worse still, to individual failings. Relationships are undermined and performance plummets. Cultural iceberg Visible differences are only 10% of what is important. These are things like: • Language • Dress • Accent • symbols Invisible differences – below the waterline Things like attitudes towards: • hierarchy vs equality • individualism vs group orientation • direct vs indirect communication • desire for control vs harmony • Risk tolerance • Focus on outcome vs relationship • Centralization vs decentralization Group effectiveness falls on a Normal curve. Another issue is one of respect for different cultural traditions. How should you respond when you genuinely disagree with a cultural norm that a colleague holds to? These are difficult questions and the first step to becoming a successful Cross-cultural team leader is facing up to the challenges. So, we need more investment in training to enable people to lead and work effectively in culturally diverse environments. RECOMMENDED EXERCISE 1. Survey the different cultures that your team members come from. What differences are there and to what extent does the team understand, respect, and honor them? (2 MC CPD Points) 2. What unseen (or hard to see) differences can you become aware of? To what extent have you been aware of these before? (2 MC CPD Points) 3. What challenges strike you as important for your ability to get the best from the different cultures in your team, as a cross-cultural team leader? (2 MC CPD Points) DOWNLOADS Free Resources - CPD Tools - Paid resources - Management Courses Onboarding Kit - ($3) RECOMMENDED READING - The Five Dysfunctions of a Team - The Wisdom of Teams - The Belbin Guide to Succeeding at Work - Dream Teams: Working Together Without Falling Apart - Pulling Together: 10 Rules for High-Performance Teamwork - HBR’s 10 Must Reads on Teams Managers need a basic set of kit to do your job well. Here are my top recommendations: (the links are affiliated) Management Courses Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points ======================================================= You can record your Management Courses CPD points on our free, downloadable CPD record log. Download it at: Each video has two levels of MC CPD points. For this video: - If you simply watched the video, record 2 MC CPD points - If you also carried out all of the recommended exercises, score a total of 8 MC CPD points ___ Note: Links to our book recommendations are affiliated through Amazon #CrossCulturalTeams #ManagementCourses #Diversity