Seminar overview

The aim of this seminar is to develop your ability to build, motivate and lead international teams. We explore culturally conditioned attitudes to teamwork, meetings, authority and decision-making, as well as differences in communication practices around the world. If pertinent to your context, the programme also addresses managing in a virtual environment.

Objectives	To provide paticipants with practical tools for managing, motivating and communicating with the members of a multicultural team.
Audience	Senior executives and anyone tasked with managing an international team.
Languages	English, French.
Duration	This is a two-day course.
Approach	The seminar combines theory, practical exercises, case studies and role play.

Programme

Understanding cultural differences

Developing cultural self-awareness and understanding others
The problems with cultural stereotypes and preconceptions
The cultural iceberg: symbols, heroes, rituals and values
Attitudes to time, space and the environment
The benefits of cultural diversity

 

Communicating effectively in an intercultural environment

Verbal and non-verbal communication
Comparison of communication styles in selected countries
Adapting to a different communication style
Overcoming language barriers
Written and telephone communications
Presenting to an international audience

 

Positioning yourself as a leader and manager

What are the qualities of a good manager in other cultures?
What skills are required to manage a multicultural team?
What can I do to gain respect and acceptance as a leader?

 

Managing multicultural teams

Cultural tendencies and attitudes to authority, teamwork, and business relationships
Approaches to decision-making, risk-taking and problem resolution
Time management and planning
Organizing and leading meetings
How to facilitate the sharing of information and know-how

 

Défining the group charter

Setting individual and collective objectives
Establishing work methods and communication practices
Allocating roles and responsibilities
Choice of working language

 

The virtual team

Building trust and relationships in a virtual environment
Choosing worktools
Establishing work practices
Online meetings: preparation, format, managing participation

 

Resolving cultural conflicts

Identifying and pre-empting cultural misunderstandings
Resolving cultural conflicts