I help colleagues in multinational teams to better collaborate. In three ways:
1. Explain Culture
I explain key cultural differences between Germany and the United States, providing a basis for better collaboration:
UC – understand-culture.com
You are on UC right now. The site currently offers ten topics, forty‑seven subtopics, and more than a thousand examples.
Topic Talks
Teams review and reflect on my analysis. I then take them deeper, topic by topic, either on‑site or via video conference.
Q&A Sessions
Colleagues send me their questions. I group them, prepare replies, then discuss with the team, either on‑site or per video-call.
2. Improve Collaboration
I help improve collaboration within global teams by facilitating a structured discussion addressing three key questions:
Question 1 – Differences
Where do we differ in how we think and therefore in how we work? This is the foundation on which to then address Questions 2 and 3.
Question 2 – Influence
What influence do these differences have on our collaboration? Here the focus is on the team’s experience thusfar working together: positive and negative.
Question 3 – Conversion
How can we convert these differences from a weakness into a strength? This is about together formulating concrete actions which will improve collaboration.
3. Solve Problems
I help resolve complex issues within and between multinational teams by taking a three-step approach:
Step 1 – Interviews
I speak with your key people as a neutral, external party. My focus is not on the substance of their work but on factors affecting collaboration. I listen for three things: the problems themselves, the impact they have on cooperation, and the possible contributing factors. The emphasis is not limited to cultural differences. Instead it is on understanding and solving the specific problems at hand.
Step 2 – Analysis
I ask precise questions, listen carefully, and document responses. Follow‑up interviews might be necessary. The analysis becomes the basis for my recommendations, which I present and discuss with you in detail. Together, we decide where to begin, take an initial action, and proceed step‑by‑step — assessing, adjusting, and continuing as appropriate, always with a view toward measurable results.
Step 3 – Actions
This is the implementation phase. Actions can include structured discussions, coaching, web‑based exercises, or on‑site workshops. Each action is tailored to the specific context, people, and issues — but the core approach is consistent: bring the right people together and guide them to a practical and sustainable solution. The goal is better collaboration.
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