Developing Cultural Adaptability: How to Work Across Differences

Being able to communicate effectively across cultural differences, understanding how to negotiate complex social situations, and being familiar with the customs and norms of many cultures are important skills in organizations today. Perhaps even more important than possessing those essential pieces of cultural knowledge is the skill of cultural adaptability - the willingness and ability to recognize, understand and work effectively across cultural differences. Proficiency in this area helps managers to build the relationships needed to achieve results in today's global organizations, especially when those relationships are forged across borders and cultures.

Jennifer J. Deal is a research scientist at CCL with interests in global and generational issues of leadership. She is the author and coauthor of several works related to executive selection, global management, and other issues. She holds a Ph.D. degree in industrial/organizational psychology from The Ohio State University.

Don W. Prince is manager of the Leadership Development Program (LDP) at CCL's campus in Brussels, Belgium. He is associated with CCL's Global Initiatives group, assisting in the facilitation of internal communications about CCL's global work. Don has extensive international travel experience, having conducted business or executive training in sixteen countries. He holds degrees from the University of North Texas and Southwestern Seminary.