Intercultural coaching
Our ideas and expectations are based on the social skills we have learned and internalized in the course of our lives. However, the proven actions and behaviours we have derived from them may fail in intercultural contexts. What is needed here is intercultural competence.
Intercultural competence is not an independent skill. It is the awareness that we cannot transfer the expectations and values shaped by our own social background to others. It is the willingness to question our own attitudes and to understand the behaviour and demeanour of a counterpart as a result of their own expectations and values. It is the readiness to adjust to the unfamiliar in an appropriate way and confront irritations calmly.
The knowledge of country-specific characteristics and cultural differences alone will not be of help. On the contrary, cultural comparisons can reinforce stereotype expectations that unconsciously influence our conduct. A knowledge of the Dos and Don’ts is therefore by no means what helps to create a pleasant atmosphere and a climate for constructive discussion. It is more likely to lead to uncertainty and false consideration!
In professional intercultural contexts (multinational teams, business initiations or business partners abroad), a coaching in the run-up can help to prevent uncertainties or crises and conflicts from arising in the first place.
My coaching includes:
- Development of intercultural skills
- Reflection of intercultural crisis situations
- Analysis of strengths and weaknesses in intercultural communication
- Reflection of your personal approach to what is new or alien to you
- Preparation for foreign assignments
I would be happy to support you. You are welcome to send me your request by e-mail or telephone and we will discuss the further procedure.