Managing Diversity

Connect+Perform+Enjoy

Knowledge does not equal appropriate behaviour,

observe Ursula Brinkman and Oscar van Weerdenburg in their latest book on Intercultural Readiness (2014). 

Cultural awareness is a start, it helps you to challenge your own assumptions about the behaviour of people of different backgrounds, religion and gender. And, with a little willingnes, you will start to appreciate the diversity of those.

But awareness alone does not make us effective!

For PERFORMING well in a complex and culturally divers environment, you need to acquire and practice basic personal communication and social skills, like:

  • Active listening, Asking good questions; Give & take feedback, building relationship & commitment, 
    all put into an intercultural framework;

 

Now, for ENJYOING working in such diverse, often higly uncertain, environments, you most certainly have learnt and reflected about

  • concepts of perception, change, leadership and power within their cultural context,  and
  • how to reconcile the needs and interests of the others with your own values and beliefs. 

If you are eager to learn more about your management competences, and if you might want some assistance for it, do not hesitate to contact us.