10 Points on Leading a Culturally Diverse Team

ByBeverley Powell

Beverley Powell

 

There are many benefits to working in a culturally diverse team. When I think of this concept, I am taken back to my teenage years, and watching the original Star Trek films. I was mesmerised at the cultural diversity of the Starship Enterprise, and the media fuss when the first inter racial kiss on TV  was made between the white Captain and his female Lieutenant Officer. It was ground breaking for its time. How on earth (literally) did this team  manage to work together for so long?

There are many benefits to working in a culturally diverse team

 

10 points on Leading a Culturally Diverse team

  1. When your team is problem solving, examine the diversity of your working group. Gathering diverse perspectives to help with a solution will help with wider acceptance.
  2. Understand how your team members respond to conflict and their expectations.
  3. Ensure your team are clear on the benefits of diversity and that everyone’s contributions are appreciated.
  4.  Avoid making assumptions that certain group members will behave in a certain way (stereotyping).
  5. No labelling at all costs…
  6. Value everyone’s differences and recognise similarities. Seek out different experiences from the majority.
  7. Pay very close attention to NVC and for cultural cues within your team.
  8. Ask for clarification to help avoid making assumptions.
  9. Assist those from your minority groups to be successful.
  10. Include minority group members  in your informal networking within the same team culture. It can be easy to exclude or unwittingly isolate team members.

 

 

Beverley Powell is a Leadership Associate: Organisational development, Inclusion, Coach and Mentor, UK certified Life Coach and Educator, and nationally recognised by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) 2014 as a BME Pioneer for her work around strategic inclusion within the National Health Service (NHS). You can see more about Beverley’s work on her website and you can also follow her on Twitter – @UKCoachLeader

Beverley hosts a region wide networking event for a group of NHS staff. Watch RADAR Networking for Success: Overview

 

 

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