Connecting Across Cultural Difference
Available As:
In-house training
- Face-to-face (flexible structure <15 people)
- Live virtual (flexible structure <15 people)
- Conferences and events (<500 people)
- Webinar (1hr introduction <1000 people)
- With or without actors
- Fully customisable
Connecting Across Cultural Difference
Our world today is characterised by businesses and communities that operate across international boundaries. People belonging to very different cultural backgrounds are increasingly brought together in a common purpose. Sometimes, where there are cultural differences, tension can arise.
This course explores the importance of self-reflection and looks at ways we can grow our cultural and global knowledge. We consider some practical ways we can make meaningful connections across common barriers and leave participants with tangible actions to develop their own cultural awareness.
Course Content
What does cultural difference mean to me?
It’s not easy to define culture because there is no static definition of it. Our environment is increasingly multicultural, with people and traditions from many other countries brought together. This activity explores our individual understanding of cultural difference and encourages reflection on what this means in our day-to-day.
My cultural background activity
Learning about other cultural backgrounds helps us understand different perspectives within the world in which we live and helps dispel negative stereotypes and personal biases about different groups. This activity gives individuals the opportunity to reflect on their own cultural background and share this in small groups.
The importance of self-reflection and awareness of context
Developing self-awareness gives us greater understanding of our own thought and behaviour patterns. It also helps us to develop empathy and understand other people. We consider how understanding ourselves helps us understand each other.
How to grow cultural and global knowledge
Looking at practical ways to grow our cultural and global knowledge, the group will develop confidence in applying strategies to be more culturally aware. We consider the importance of looking beyond visible differences and discuss how we can bond over similarities, challenge stereotypes, and improve our communication skills.
Common language barriers and differences in cultural tones
Differences across body language, gestures, communication, and manners can lead to miscommunication. We consider common examples of linguistic and cultural differences that can affect communication, and practical ways to overcome these.
Practical techniques to make meaningful connections
Creating meaningful connections is not as hard as we think. This final activity looks at how we can use curiosity and genuine inquiry to demonstrate real interest in each other, engage in deeper conversations, and create positive spaces for collective learning and growth.
Let's Talk!
We’re advocates of crafting tailormade solutions that ensure you meet objectives and maximise budgets. Contact us to book a meeting to scope the right solution for your organisation, together.
What About Actors?
Through clever script writing, goose-bump inducing delivery and professional facilitation we can bring so much to life. We stimulate emotion, penetrate the long-term memory and create lasting change.
When we use live drama, we are able to have the actors play out the scenario and then be hot seated for the audience to ask them questions whilst they remain in character. Hot seating works so well because actors work with a pre-rehearsed backstory, so they are able to respond in character. They progressively reveal unexpected elements of their story that will not have previously been told. It can bust assumptions that the audience might have made based on the scenario (situation) but not fully understanding the impact at first sight.
Using actors in this programme enables us to bring to:
- Bring both the subtle, and not so subtle, inappropriate behaviours to life, literally
- Provide attendees with an opportunity to explore the fine line between what is and isn’t acceptable
- Give attendees a chance to challenge the actors whilst they are still in character
- Demonstrate that things aren’t always what they seem at first glance
- Provide delegates with an opportunity to test out alternative ways of approaching what can often be sensitive situations
- Create a goosebump-inducing learning experience that sticks in the long-term memory
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
Steve Malloy
Senior Manager, AX Automotive“Every single session, we turn up and look around the room thinking everyone knows it all and by the end of it, we’re taking some really interesting and helpful management styles and tips away to use in our business. It’s been hugely helpful and would hugely recommend it!”
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