Why choose intercultural training?
Dealing effectively with cultural diversity is an essential part of the work of many internationally operating professionals. In international organizations, however, differences in expectations and working styles can cause misunderstandings and hinder cooperation. While subject-matter expertise is often readily available, targeted training is indispensable when it comes to intercultural and diversity-related challenges. The good news: intercultural craftsmanship can be developed.
Long-standing expertise in intercultural training
Luz azul has extensive experience in training programs focused on intercultural competencies, effective feedback in multicultural teams, online collaboration in an international context, acculturation, cross-cultural leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The workshops, webinars, and online training programs not only strengthen knowledge, but above all develop immediately applicable competencies. This results in more effective intercultural collaboration in the international workplace.
An empirically grounded and practical-oriented approach
Luz azul’s workshops and webinars are based on empirical research while maintaining a strong practical focus. At the core is understanding the psychological processes involved in dealing with differences. This includes awareness of one’s own cultural logic, insight into diversity and cultural differences, and knowledge of how our brains respond to difference.
Simply put, this is about the principle of fast and slow thinking. In fast, intuitive thinking, the ‘autopilot’ takes control, and interpretations and biases easily gain the upper hand. In slow, reflective thinking, space is created for analysis and deeper insight into cultural differences and diversity dynamics. By actively working with this ‘dual processing of mind’ during the training, participants experience how they can fine-tune their ‘autopilot’ in intercultural situations and thereby enhance their intercultural effectiveness.
A tailored approach for every type of intercultural training
Every intercultural training program is customized, aligned with the organization’s current challenges and focused on the participants’ prior knowledge and learning objectives. Luz azul offers face-to-face workshops, blended learning programs, and fully online training. Luz azul also has extensive experience in developing and facilitating SPOCs, MOOCs, masterclasses, and train-the-trainer programs. Depending on the learning objectives, a bicultural training actor may be engaged, or we may use the validated assessment tools Intercultural Readiness Check© and Feedback Profiler®. All workshops and webinars are interactive, with recognizable case studies and realistic practice scenarios, ensuring optimal transfer to daily practice. For large-scale programs, I collaborate with expert intercultural colleagues.
