INTERCULTURAL TRAINING: 5 THINGS TO FOCUS ON IN 2023

Gabriela Weglowska • February 10, 2023

The world we are living in is rapidly changing – it’s increasingly hyperconnected. International organizations and their talent constantly need to reinvent themselves to ensure the right skillset and tools for the future of work. Here are five trends we foresee as intercultural training trends in 2023.


1. Investment in skills for all


The audience of intercultural training has evolved over the last decade. Although we know the importance of intercultural training for expats and their families, we are also observing a growing need for such training amongst international, non-mobile employees and for groups. This includes tailored solutions for global leaders and virtual, global teams.


2. Inclusive intelligence


Although crucial, intercultural skills are a puzzle piece in the art of international leadership. Another important piece is inclusivity, which goes beyond working with different nationalities. Inclusive leadership is about building workplaces where everyone thrives with their authentic selves. It’s a smart fusion between being culturally competent and embracing individual differences.


3. Improved virtual collaboration


During covid-19, virtual teams were a novel horizon. Today, they are a new normal, but virtual collaboration is still a challenge. Apart from the different time zones and the barrier of a computer screen between us, we also need to navigate the cultural dynamics. Leaders and teams must continue developing the knowledge, mindset and skills needed for successful virtual collaborations.


4. Intercultural ed-tech


Leveraging technology is necessary in the future of learning. However, it’s not about replacing face-to-face training with eLearning modules. There must be a human element involved: think ‘high-tech, high-touch’. Working with an intercultural training provider who can design a tailored, blended learning solution could be the difference between wasting money and ensuring a real transfer of skills.


5. Integrated partnership


An excellent intercultural training provider is not an order taker but a strategic resource to help clients navigate all aspects of intercultural collaborations. This integrated partnership will enable people to develop skills of effective communication, negotiation, decision-making, problem-solving, trust-building, and more. And this is how organizations can truly thrive globally.



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