What are your cultural assumptions and how do they impact on your working relationships? What are the challenges and opportunities for leaders of culturally diverse teams whose members may be based in different countries and time zones? How as a leader can you overcome the barriers of time, distance and lack of familiarity with cultural norms?

This workshop introduces participants to some key concepts of cross-cultural communication and explores how cultural differences impact on interpersonal communication and teamwork. LEAD has nearly 20 years’ experience of building culturally diverse virtual teams that collaborate on large and small projects. These projects range from international conferences that attract participants from over forty countries to modular training programmes delivered on different continents. This module draws on our experience of building trust in virtual teams and inspiring collaborative teamwork where opportunities to communicate face to face are rare.

CELBRATING DIVERSITY: COLLABORATIVE VIRTUAL TEAMS

Participants explore cultural assumptions, and investigate stages of intercultural sensitivity. We use simulations and group discussions to illustrate the key concepts and to help participants identify their individual cross-cultural communication strengths and weaknesses. Opportunities for participants to share knowledge and experience with each other – including tips on how to deal with cultural misunderstandings - are built into the schedule. A constantly updated range of on-line learning resources including selected articles, podcasts, books and film, supports face to face learning.