Intercultural Proficiency for Managers in a Canadian Mission

In this two-part training, learners will develop a deeper understanding of intercultural competency and its impact on workplace dynamics, and also engage in intercultural dialogue between LES and CBS employing brave space principles. In part one, learners will explore their own intercultural profile, identifying strengths and areas for growth. Through discussions and activities, learners will gain a clearer understanding of what culture entails and why it plays a critical role in all interactions.

Designed to develop and strengthen your intercultural competencies, the training will help you understand the influence of culture on behaviour, learn about similarities and gaps in cultural trends, understand communication styles, practice intercultural decoding and develop strategies to bridge cultural gaps.

Working interculturally requires a set of competencies to mindfully manage complex intercultural situations, often in times of uncertainty and change. Through a series of sessions with a small group of peer learners, coaching circles support employees in their intercultural competence learning journey. Coaching circles offer an environment of trust for learners to coach each other in the complexities of their job through an intercultural lens, and an opportunity to explore responses through contemplative questions from peers.

Effective intercultural interaction is critical to achieving Canada’s objectives which is why intercultural proficiency is one of Global Affairs Canada’s core international behavioural competencies. This competency is relevant to all employees, whether one is working at one of our missions abroad, interacting with global stakeholders, or looking to foster inclusion within the Department’s diverse workplace. This introductory course is intended for all employees in the Department and offers an overview of the concepts of intercultural competence, intercultural effectiveness and what it means to be an interculturally effective person.

The challenges of returning home can sometimes be greater than those experienced during an international assignment. This course gives returning employees and their spouses an opportunity to explore the rewards and the challenges of their experience in personal and professional terms and to develop tools and strategies for effective reintegration. Participants will also explore how these new competencies coalesce into a new vision.