Lately, I discussed communication in my Personal Positive Power series to make a positive difference. But are you aware of how your communication is influenced by the culture you’re part of?
Geert Hofstede, the Dutch culture researcher and one of my true gurus (I love his work) says: Culture reproduces itself. You learn when to be proud and when to be ashamed, when to ask questions, and when to remain silent. Greetings or questions that are seen as positive communication (see my earlier blog post) in most Western cultures, might be experienced as too carefree or not respectful enough in another culture. (I will tell you more about Hofstede’s culture dimensions in one of my next posts!)
As you belong to different groups you have different layers of culture: on a national level, regional or ethnic, and also based on gender, generation, social class, and the organization where you work. Imagine how many circles of influence where you can make a positive difference!
Positive Work Culture
My main focus is developing a positive organizational culture because we spend so much time in the workplace that it affects our lives outside of work as well. Anything we learn at work, we spread to our families, communities, groups, and associations.
I know that if everyone thrived at work, the world would be a better place. Not just because we would smile more, but also because we’d be more resilient, creative, innovative, energized, compassionate, flexible and productive. We’d think of more sustainable products and collaborate more.
Which culture is better?
What do national cultures have to do with thriving at work? People tend to think their own culture is “better” because we’re used to it. Even though I honestly think that some elements are better than others, the point is to be appreciative of diversity and to understand how the other person perceives the world.
If you’d like to strengthen both your appreciation for diversity and your contribution to a positive culture at work, I invite you to join my Positive Culture Change Leadership Workshop. In an international setting, you’ll encounter colleagues from different continents and cultures and you’ll be amazed what you can learn from their cases and questions. This is not just fun (though it is). It is also very useful to train your understanding, appreciation, and your responses to differences.
Learn how to develop a positive culture
We’ll work on assessing and developing a positive organizational culture, developing organizational change, and practicing positive leadership.
From Monday, May 28 to Wednesday, May 30, 2018, we’ll enjoy 2.5 days in a limited group of international leaders and consultants so that there’s personal time for everyone. The workshop is both theoretical and practical, so bring your questions and cases!
The Early Bird is only 1899 USD until January 28, 2018, and includes the workshop, three hotel nights with breakfast, three lunches and two dinners on Monday and Tuesday! After this, the regular fee applies.
I hope you’ll join me! I am looking forward to another truly diverse, international, inspiring Culture Change Leadership workshop…!
You can find more information and registration (click the Add to Cart button) at https://www.ocai-online.com/products/culture-change-days
Let’s upgrade our organizations to a positive and productive culture.
This Post Has 2 Comments
What a powerful statement – that culture reproduces itself. I would add though that one leader with intention can disrupt an unhealthy culture by modeling positive behavior.
That’s right. Culture reproduces itself when you do not interfere. But that doesn’t mean you cannot do anything to change that! A leader who is the change that she or he wants to see is a great start. A group of committed positive change agents can do even more. If a group of people shows positive behaviors, they influence the culture.