Working creatively in cross-cultural environments is possible with self-awareness, knowledge, experience and practice. Cultural diversity is a great asset that can increase the creative potential of an organization or a team. Yet we all know that cross-cultural work is filled with complexity and dynamic tensions. Being aware of the main dimensions that differentiate cultures and knowing how to respond when these dimensions are in apparent conflict can be essential to success, whether for an individual, a group or an organization.

In this program you will be introduced to the benefits of blending knowledge of cultural dynamics with Polarity Management®, a systems thinking approach for analysis and action planning. Originally developed by Barry Johnson, Polarity Management supplements “either-or” thinking with “both-and” thinking, and has rich applications, including cultural dimensions. The theoretical frameworks of Geert Hofstede and Fons Trompenaars will be used to present the dynamics or “polarities” that characterize cross-cultural environments.

The program will include various interactive activities for participants to work individually and with others to apply the program concepts to selected scenarios as well as to their own organizational situations and experiences.

Learning Objectives – During this program, participants will:

• Increase awareness of how we experience cultural differences
• Identify the main “blind spots” or barriers existing in working effectively with diverse groups or even with common-culture groups
• Understand how awareness of interdependent factors or polarities can enhance our creative thinking and actions when addressing the complexities of cross-cultural work
• Develop skills with the use of Polarity Management Maps™ (a graphic tool for analysis and planning), focusing on key polarities in cross-cultural dynamics

Language
Offered in English (with *support in Italian)

Facilitators
Liz Monroe-Cook, Laura Barbero-Switalski

* Please note that “Support in another language” means that at least one of the facilitators is quite fluent in that language and can communicate participants, on an ad-hoc basis, to offer assistance, answer questions or help clarify key elements of a program; it does not imply that any part of this program will be delivered in that language, nor that participants can expect continuous translation of the program content or of the contributions. Basic understanding and speaking fluency of the program’s main language is required to attend this program.