Cross-Cultural Basics

Participants: There are two versions of this seminar — one for Managers and above, the other for Supervisors and below.

Facilitator: Al Vivian, President & CEO of Vivian Consulting Group, or one of our approved trainers.

Duration: 4 or 8-Hour Format

Process/Overview: This program equips participants with the skills to understand the basic concepts of cross-cultural leadership (CCL): definitions, terms, and behavioral modifications that foster cross-cultural interactions and create a sense of belonging throughout the organization. Participants leave equipped with the confidence and skills to engage in meaningful conversations around the issues of cross-cultural relations. Attendees will take part in practical exercises, and explore how stereotypes and biases (conscious and unconscious) are formed and the negative impact they can have on productivity, morale and organizational effectiveness.

Pursuits & Purpose

› Provide participants with an understanding of leadership’s commitment to cross-cultural leadership (CCL).

› Develop a common language to discuss CCL.

› Understand the broad spectrum of CCL that goes well beyond race and gender.

› Explain how CCL includes everyone — to include majority groups.

› Illustrate how perceptions and stereotypes are formed.

› Understand the practical business case for CCL.

› To illustrate the significant impact the massive demographic changes are having on business and society.

Payoffs & Results

› Develop an understanding that Senior Leadership is committed to CCL.

› CCL is not the “flavor of the month”.

› Employees at every level walk away with an understanding that the organization’s leadership is committed to the process.

› Increased confidence and competence to discuss issues of CCL.

› Improved cross-cultural communication.

› An understanding of the full demographic scope of CCL.

› Increased long-term “buy-in” to the process.

› Understand and recognize collusion

› Develop the ability to check your own assumptions before they negatively impact organizational effectiveness.