Bridge the Culture Gaps: A toolkit for effective collaboration in the diverse, global workplace

Description

The essential guide for working in diverse teams and across cultures today. This practical self-help guide will optimize the performance of individuals and teams working in an intercultural environment. By increasing awareness of the nature and impact of diversity in the workplace and national cultural differences, it demonstrates how to use the power of difference to achieve positive results for all. Learn how to mitigate unconscious bias to create inclusive organizations and how to use key cultural dimensions to communicate and cooperate in intercultural teams. Addressing the unique challenges of influencing across cultures and managing international transformation projects, this is an indispensable toolkit for a key competence in business. Leading interculturalist Robert Gibson challenges conventional ideas and makes new connections between culture, diversity and neuroscience in this modern guide for anyone working virtually or together in a diverse team or international business. Use these simple and proven approaches for better communication, collaboration, leadership and decision making in today's globalised workplace.

Robert Gibson is an interculturalist with over 30 years' experience of intercultural competence development in business and education. A former Vice-President of the Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research (SIETAR Europa) and a founder and Member of the Advisory Board of SIETAR Deutschland he was head of intercultural training at Siemens AG for 18 years during which time he designed and implemented an award-winning Diversity and Inclusion initiative for over 230,000 employees worldwide. He has run projects in Germany, Austria, Poland and Hungary for the Council of Europe and UNESCO. Originally a school teacher in England he has lectured at the University of Munich, Ingolstadt School of Management, University of the Arts in Berlin and the Business School of the University of Bologna, teaching Intercultural Management on Global MBA and MA programs as well as advising on vocational education to the Bavarian Ministry of Education. His publications include Gibson (2002) Intercultural Business Communication and over 70 articles on Intercultural Communication for the magazine Business Spotlight. He grew up in London and studied at the Universities of Oxford and Exeter in the UK before moving to Germany in 1985. He is currently based in Munich and works as a freelance consultant, facilitator and trainer.

Finally a book on culture for the 21st century. For everyone wanting to successively navigate today's complexity and contribute to making a better and more inclusive world. * Toby Peyton-Jones OBE, former HR Director, Siemens UK & Northern Europe * With his long experience of providing training around the world for a multinational company, Robert Gibson knows best how culture affects people's success in doing business both locally and globally. * Marion Horstmann, former Corporate Vice President, Siemens * A wealth of experience carefully condensed in a hands-on book which will be a day-to-day reference for leaders seeking to create value from diversity. * Markus Tacke, CEO, Oerlikon Surface Solutions * Pioneering business interculturalist Robert Gibson is better qualified than most to help readers bridge the culture gaps. His many years as in-house intercultural consultant with one of Europe's most significant global players have given him a range of intercultural experience and insight unique in their breadth and richness. * Professor Peter Franklin, Konstanz University of Applied Sciences * A brilliant, comprehensive overview of what it really takes to work effectively in our increasingly multi-cultural world. Thought-provoking and practical, it challenges conventional ideas and develops new approaches for all those engaged in cross-cultural business activities. * Patrick Schmidt, former President, SIETAR Europa * The exercises, tools and advice are ideal for use by members of diverse teams seeking to develop their global competence * Qing Hua Xing, former Vice President, Head of HR APAC Region, Osram * Practical advice that could help a multicultural team to find the right formula and perform at its best * Marcello Russo, Director of Global MBA, Bologna Business School * The need to succeed working in international virtual teams while creating an inclusive work environment has become more important than ever. This practical guide is a great resource and inspiration for anybody who is working internationally or in diverse teams: provoking self-reflection, challenging assumptions and making important connections between neuroscience, culture and diversity. * Christine Wirths, Founder and Managing Director, CultureWaves * A timely bridge between culture and D&I issues. A comprehensive masterpiece from this inspiring interculturalist. * Vincent Merk, Senior Lecturer in Intercultural Management, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) * Invaluable help to bridge the gaps in all post-merger integration projects where 'worlds are clashing' on all levels of business organizations * Beate Bidjanbeg, former Director Center of Competence M&A Integration, Siemens * A valuable guidebook for everyone engaged in any aspect of international business * Tim Bookas, CEO, Breitenstein Consulting * The perfect overview of intercultural issues both for those starting out in the field and also for more experienced practitioners * Ian McMaster, Editor-in-Chief, Business Spotlight *