Cross-Cultural Coaching – Success on Assignment

Intercultural coaching sessions can provide support to assignees in a number of ways. These include language training, support for daily living, how to do business in the new culture, an overview of the cultural foundations addressing customs and celebrations, deeply held beliefs, dos and don’ts and more.

- Where to locate household items, groceries (where to get cuisine from your home country), specialty items
-   Clothing – how to dress based on climate and culture

• Medical care and other special needs
• Schools and extra-curricular activities for children​

• Professional and leisure networking groups
• Sporting and leisure activities
• Driving and public transport
• Safety
• Accepting invitations to and attending social events (the importance of this for networking and meeting colleagues in certain cultures)

A good intercultural coaching programme will include multiple studies and research that addresses deep-seated beliefs and behaviours in various cultures. It often starts with the examination of assignees’ own understanding and self-awareness about their own beliefs and customs. The programme should include a cultural analysis tool that demonstrates certain aspects of the new culture that vary significantly from their own preferences or behavioural style and introduce the concept of style-switching.

Some examples of cultural differences include the way time is viewed in different cultures. Is the host country considered efficient in its business dealings or is the host country associated with a more laid back culture? What is the experience of conducting business in government offices? Is the country a cash-based economy or can most business be done online using multiple payment methods?

Is the host country relationship or task focussed? Do you need to be introduced to the right people to get things done? Is who you know more important than what you know?

These are just a few of the areas that an intercultural-coaching programme will cover and this type of support can make a significant difference and contribute to the successful adaptation of assignees to a new culture and when working with global teams.
 
Connect with us if you represent an organisation with highly mobile global leaders at all levels of the organisation. Supporting their relocation through intercultural coaching will significantly improve their chances of success in their host country. Global leaders are not all born, but are intentional about their development and we can support that process. Email us at [email protected] for more information.