How can you bridge that gap to effectively build relationships?
]]>At the same time I was working on a paper reviewing the research into teams, multi-cultural teams (MCT) and cultural intelligence as part of my professional development for the Australian College of Organisational Psychologists.
Both the MCT research and the FIGT conference have left me reflecting on mental models and the extent to which they are shared, or we assume they are shared, with those around us.
The teams’ literature places a great deal of emphasis on shared mental models as one of the critical cognitive factors that influence a team’s effectiveness. Team members who think alike about their work are more likely to be effective as they can anticipate the way each other will work and back each other up in critical situations.
]]>In this edition original author and prolific expat writer, Jo Parfitt, has been joined by career development expert Colleen Reichrath-Smith in a re-branded version that will speak to many in situations of career transition. Expat partners, global migrants and those considering a portable career doing work they love will find this book invaluable.
]]>We’ve uploaded the saved version of February's Thrive in Tough Times webinar into the Resource Library under audio as it is a recording you can listen to. There is also a link to the slides so you can look while you listen if you prefer.
It’s the dangerous illusion of closeness, according to Pico Iyer. The world appears to us as homogenous. Commonalities like popular culture and the English language draw us together as though we are all the same, and culture or nationality don’t make a difference.
Hearing Pico speak at the recent FIGT (Families In Global Transition) conference, and being surrounded by so many people from around the world who share common interests and concerns for Families in Global Transition, I could almost have agreed. ]]>
In the lead up to the conference, I’ve been thinking about cultural integration; what it really means and whether or not we have it in the workplaces and the social groups I am involved with here in Sydney.
]]>Country Information – Australia
We’ve uploaded a number of new articles on Australian culture that incorporate some dos and don’ts.
Australian History
A brief overview of early Australian history with links for further investigation and learning.
Australia: Communication
Covering language, Australian slang and body language
Australia: Entertainment and Celebration
Looks at the holidays and special occasions in Australia, entertaining friends, both at barbecues and eating out at restaurants and cafes. Tipping and gifts are also covered in this section.
Australia: Sport and Leisure
Giving you some of the background to one of the big areas of Australian culture with links so you can get the local knowledge.
Sometimes, however, that may not be true. For whatever reason the early days may not be a honeymoon where you eagerly hit the ground running. Instead they may be challenging times.
]]>This year the national winners have been involved with community activities ranging from publicizing and supporting Alzheimer’s research, mentoring youth in remote rural areas, caring for those in hospices and palliative care situations, and activism for indigenous rights, assisting with indigenous welfare and employment. These Aussies have received awards for their volunteering and community involvement but chances are they have received other benefits as well.
Recent research summarized in an article by Jenny Brennan at Positive Psychology News tells how volunteering can benefit people emotionally, psychologically and even physically. ]]>
As the year finished and 2013 began I’ve been working with a number of people whose companies are sending them on global assignments. For them, new places and new relationships will be a reality everyday as they hit the ground running in their new locations.
Critical to their success will be the cultural intelligence we focused on in training.
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