In every profession and every role we have to deal with intercultural communication: education, health service, governmental organisations and profit organisations. In our communication we work with the images we have of the other. We have to question if the frame of reference we use in our verbal and non-verbal communication is in line with the frame of reference of the other. Everyone has its own cultural structures in which thinking – feeling – behaving is clustered as a unique constellation, containing individual elements, family structures, religious, local, regional, national and international structures and patterns. Mostly we are very unaware of the typical elements of these structures, but they are present in our behaviour and influence for a great deal the quality of our communication. The more we are aware of these elements and differences and the quality of it, the more we are able to make contact with the other and to communicate with them.
Different TA authors have written and explored these differences and the ways to bridge them.
In this workshop we will work through short experiences with these differences, in order to deepen our understanding about these differences and to improve our communication with people nearby and people whose culture is obviously different from ours.
What is the relevance?
In our international world, with many people migrating freely or under pressure, we have to deal with diversity every hour of our personal and professional life. This workshop wants to add another layer of understanding to the relevance of the awareness of these differences so that participants can contribute to an open ok – ok exchange in a better way. Tasks will be fulfilled easier and with more creativity and fun.
For whom is it of special interest?
For everyone who wants to contribute to life and society in a positive and constructive way.
What will participants take away?
- Insight into the uniqueness of their own cultural background and the differences with others close by and more distant.
- Skills to explore the differences and celebrate them in a constructive dialogue.
- Awareness of the relevance of working organisationally with these differences.