What are the best ways to promote teamwork across cultures?

One thing is to have the theory of why this is important in community organizing work, after all we are promoting lasting social change and that includes building strong unity across communities of different backgrounds. That organizational alignment happens during intentional training to staff, Board, volunteers and supporters. To make viable effective work across individuals of different cultural backgrounds, build teams to accomplish specific tasks with clearly defined roles for team members, benchmarks and expected general outcomes. Here is where the practice of multiculturalism meets reality. Build in regular check ups to flag possible misunderstandings or other problems that might arise.

In fostering teamwork across cultures, embracing and respecting differences is paramount. Recognizing the diverse perspectives, values, and communication styles within your team lays the foundation for meaningful collaboration and mutual understanding. To effectively promote this principle, I suggest implementing regular cultural sensitivity training sessions or workshops. These sessions can provide team members with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate cultural differences effectively, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious working environment.

"Respect" is 100% the first step of building trust. Recently at work, we celebrated the Lunar New Year at our annual all-staff convening. There was an opportunity for staff to take pictures with the dragon dancers. As my turn came, I was given a prop (a thunderstick) to use on the drums. I immediately asked if doing that was "disrespectful", being that I was not a part of the performance. My co-worker was happy that I asked and affirmed that it was not disrespectful in this instance. This may seem simple, but this moment allowed for a respect and trust to be built between the two of us. When we are present, aware, and truly "see" people, they will notice, and they won't forget. They will likely want to continue working and growing with you.

Find common ground. Even people who are very different from each other can work well together when they focus on areas of common ground. I have seen breakthrough in relationships when people are coached to focus awareness on the ways that we are the same. We cannot truly honor our unique diversity until we are rooted in our common humanity.

One thing that I have seen helpful in promoting teamwork is acknowledging vulnerability of the members in a team. This is not just respect of differences or diversity but inherent weaknesses, fears, but rather instilling hope that the team can do better and achieve the desired goals.

It's challenging to communicate while being honest, humble, direct, diplomatic, empathetic, and authentic. We will not always get it right. I think it's most important to learn and grow from each situation. One tip I find most helpful in group communication, and 1-2-1 communication is "Before you speak make sure your words can pass through these three gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?" This framing seems helpful in many situations.

It is also about recognising that we have different ways of communicating and that our own way of communicating could be perceived as arrogant or offensive or inappropriate by people from other cultures. In my experience it is important to have this conversation early on, to create an environment where people don't jump to conclusions but instead feel free and comfortable to ask clarifying questions.

One thing I learned in a diverse team is that we need two ways for communication: "clear and short" and "deep and long". To understand what we need to do on a project, it is important to describe clearly and shortly, but to understand different cultural perspectives, it is necessary to take enough time to discuss. We should not skip communication to understand their cultural backgrounds, carriers and personalities.

I find it beneficial when teammates are transparent when communicating. In doing so, it helps minimize confusion and allows for a more fruitful discussion.

Communication is key in cross-cultural teams. Establish a common language for communication and be mindful of the language barrier. Encourage open communication, where it is okay to ask questions and clarify doubts. Use inclusive language and provide training on cross-cultural communication to minimize misunderstandings.

To build trust, you have to do the inner work required to be trustWORTHY. It starts with you looking deeply at how you relate to others and supporting other people to do the same, while giving grace to yourself and those who are willing to grow and heal their own stuff. Most behaviors that damage trust are rooted in how we were raised, what we were taught, and what we believe about the world. Some of what we learned and what we believe is rooted in trauma and pain. What happened to you is not your fault, but what you do to heal is your life’s work. Get on the healing path and you will be in a better space to trust and be trusted.

In my experience, building trust is fundamental to promoting teamwork across cultures. It's not easy. For this to happen you havecto be genuine, you have to be you. Transparency, consistency, and a commitment to understanding and respecting people are the key. Encouraging open communication, actively listening, and valuing diverse perspectives creates an environment where team members feel secure and acknowledged. By delivering on promises and fostering a culture of accountability, trust is established over time. This foundation of trust enables effective collaboration, enhances teamwork, and contributes to the overall success of the team across cultural boundaries.

Thesis: Laying groundwork properly is critical for people to assess their own interest and capacity to commit. Set high-level expectations early: i) define project goals, ii) how measured, and iii) what unknowns or efforts must be overcome. Identify the purpose of the project, why are YOU committed, what's the ROI for participants and/or benefits to community. Differentiate facts from unknowns and let people see you modeling the punctuality, reporting and overall effort that will guide the project’s “culture.” Finally, having selected good partners, allow them to them pursue agreed assignments in their own style, so long as their deliverables are timely and valid.

I agree, however to build trust, first there has to be a level of awareness and learning that leads to an enabling environment. Providing cross-cultural training can help teams understand how to communicate and interact with each other which is an important step in building trust. Encouraging openness and active listening are also great ways to empower teams to create connections across cultures.

Team work is a key element to get everything done in a way that pleases an organization. Having trust and respect amongst teammates will allow this element to grow and thrive

An example of leveraging diversity is asset based teamwork. Understanding the different cultural orientations across identities can facilitate a pathway for individual and collective increased performance, job satisfaction, morale, and team building. This is, however, impossible without the guidance of a leader who can help to intentionally identify and decide how to maximize on assets while continuing to develop people as well.

Before leveraging diversity. One thing that's mostly ignored by many is 'Creating the environment' Many times once a college looks out of place, it's embarrassing and anti-multi- culture move. I have been to places where conversations at work place are very difficult to follow or join in because teams are in clicks of tribes or the general language around is not understood by everyone. Therefore, it is important induct employees and emphasis be put down in the rules and regulations to be culture sensitive and appropriate actions to preserve the culture in the work world.

Agree on goals and targets. Set a schedule to review, update, and modify. Never be afraid to hit the reset button. Deliver executive summaries of process, progress and accomplishments regularly.

I have found that embracing and respecting cultural differences, along with welcoming diverse perspectives can lead to stronger teams. It’s also important to take into account other factors such as cultural awareness training, team-building activities, and leadership support to further promote teamwork across cultures.

To build a trustable team for all across cultures is not easy, but it is more fun to work in diversity with more discoveries and more adventures than in monotone. One thing I want to add is to consider a remote work in a diverse team is not to be afraid to step in their space to communicate if you expect to build a long-term team.

Leverage Technology for Visibility and Collaboration! Use technology to ensure visibility of work and facilitate collaboration. Time tracking software and project management tools can help replicate the capabilities of in-office settings, keeping everyone motivated and informed about what others are doing