Cultural Diversity and Team Dynamics
Having lived in the multi-cultural city of Toronto, Canada the past 13 years, I have seen how well cultural diversity can operate in enhancing everyday life. Via my experience in constructing computer software improvement and consulting teams, I have learned there are many added benefits to team dynamics of embracing cultural diversity. Right here is a list of five standard advantages:
1. Saving Face
In numerous nations, the idea of "Saving Face" is necessary. Particularly true within Asian cultures, this trait normally motivates team members function harder in solving tough challenges and overcoming technical obstacles. It is yet important to assure team members are not afraid to speak-up when they are unclear on a specific problem. Asking concerns is not a sign of failure it will enhance their information, let them to generate improved results, for that reason saving face in the lengthy run.
2. Fresh Thinking
Having recently returned from a trip to South-East Asia, it was exciting to note how well-known engineering, technical and transport challenges had been solved differently than that of western countries. Team members from other parts of the world have lived with and skilled all sorts of different solutions to everyday challenges. By pulling from their earlier knowledge they can bring fresh new thinking to challenges your business may be facing, nevertheless huge or smaller.
3. Motivation to Be successful
I give some thought to this point to be a by-item of cultural diversity. In countless instances immigrants have moved from their native country due to unrest, or to pursue opportunity to provide a superior life to themselves and their household. In numerous circumstances having sold almost everything to afford this new lease on life, and these men and women are subsequently motivated to "Make it Operate." Due to the fact so a lot is riding on the good results and experience gained, these team member usually bring an enthusiasm and determination to be successful which can propel themselves and the whole team by means of difficult, challenging projects.
4. Increase your Team or Corporate Culture
An important part of any thriving organization is a healthy corporate culture. What greater way to build or boost your team or corporate culture by introducing some "actual" culture. Do this by embracing cultural holidays, sponsor cultural festivals, or have pot-luck lunches exactly where each and every team member must bring one particular food item from their native nation. These sorts of activities bring teams together, and support team members feel portion of the overall corporate entity. Highlighting the cultural differences within a team enhances awareness within workers that each and every person is contributing, every single individual is distinctive, and each person is valued.
5. Feel Globally, Act Locally
As a current financial crisis has demonstrated, providers are increasingly operating with the better planet economic climate. So, the impact of absolutely understanding and proficiently marketing and advertising to each and every distinctive culture is pronounced. Cultural diversity doesn't just take place with outsourcing to a far away land - far from it. The preferred type of cross-culture teams are those exactly where the members are co-situated and can lend their unique view points in a timely manner. Hiring nearby talent that have diverse cultural backgrounds allow you to compete effectively in today's global marketplace. Believe about this: Perhaps the next time you are pondering expanding into a new nation, your engineer from Malaysia might be your ideal asset, and not necessarily for his engineering expertise.
An fascinating note in closing - I once managed a software program improvement project with a team of 8 developers. Within the team we had a representative from 5 diverse continents. That is at least one particular individual from just about every continent in the globe except Australia and Antarctica. We also proudly represented five various religions. And don't forget this is from a team of only 8 men and women! I hope you embrace your personal culture and those around you so you may perhaps study, develop and boost the team dynamics for which you play an essential role.
