Leadership Qualities for Inspiring Culturally-Diverse Teams

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Leadership Qualities

For Inspiring Culturally Diverse Teams

Chhavi Gupta, Software EngineerEMC Corporation


“The development of cohesiveness among team members is an important

part of team management.”

— Druskat & Wheeler

“Leadership behaviors have a considerable effect on team cohesion.”

— Wendt et als


Survey – Culturally Diverse Teams

What are the challenges ?

What are the advantages and disadvantages?


Fostering a Cohesive Environment

Have you ever assessed the communication in your culturally diverse team?

Great leaders understand the value of cohesiveness


Communication Is the Key

At the core of business

Sharing information– Establishes trust– Builds relationships– Maintains relationships– Leads to cohesiveness


Ways to Foster a Cohesive Environment

Create an awareness of cultural aspects

– Values– Holidays– Training

Facilitate an open dialogue

– Plan networking events


Benefits

Develops trust

Creates friendly work environment

Gains respect for each other

Learn about other cultures

Increases productivity

Nurtures loyalty

All affect the bottom line!

What’s good for humankind is good for

business.


Conclusion

Assess communication in your culturally diverse team to develop cohesiveness

Develop new ways of thinking

Promote a culture of respect and fairness.


References

Druskat, V. U., & Wheeler, J. V. (2003). Managing from the boundary: The effective leadership of self-managing work teams. Academy of Management Journal, 46(4), 435−457.

Wendt, Hein Wendt, Euwem, Martin C. , and van Emmerik, I.J. Hetty (2009). Leadership and team cohesiveness across cultures; The Leadership Quarterly 20, 358–370.

Engineering

Leadership Qualities for Inspiring Culturally-Diverse Teams