Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco Blankenburgh

KnowledgeWorkx
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Unlocking Cultural Agility with Marco Blankenburgh

Explore the diverse stories of some of the most advanced Intercultural practitioners from around the world with Marco Blankenburgh, who has been equipping people with cultural agility for 25+ years. Along the way, you will gain cultural insights that will help you find relational success in our globally diverse world. 

  1. Discovering the 12 Dimensions of Culture | Part 1

    MAR 17

    Discovering the 12 Dimensions of Culture | Part 1

    Send us a text Have you ever wondered how cultural differences shape our interactions? In this episode, Marco and Shelley explore the transformative concept of intercultural agility through the lens of the 12 Dimensions of Culture. Each dimension offers a unique perspective on how we understand ourselves and others in a multicultural world. From defining growth strategies to navigating communication styles, understanding these dimensions can enhance your intercultural skills, building stronger relationships in both personal and professional settings. We start by unpacking the Growth dimension, discussing how different cultures approach development and teamwork. We also differentiate between universal and situational relationships, offering insights into how your perception of connections influences your relationships at work and beyond. Furthermore, we examine various outlooks on the future, from tradition-focused to innovation-driven perspectives, which inform our decision-making processes in diverse contexts. Communication is crucial in any intercultural interaction - we dive into the differences between direct and indirect styles and how being adaptable can lead to more effective engagement. The episode also addresses accountability, emphasizing the importance of community alongside individual responsibility, reshaping how future generations view their roles in the workplace. This rich tapestry of cultural dimensions not only enhances self-awareness but also provides tools for fostering better connections across cultures.  | In this episode, you will learn:    -- About the Cultural Mapping inventory (CMi), discovering each dimension.    -- How development and teamwork can be approached when considering the Growth dimension.    -- About fostering connection through understanding individual culture. Read More about: 12 Dimension of Culture Framework (https://www.knowledgeworkx.com/framework-12-dimension-of-culture)12 Dimensions of Culture in TrafficHow to Navigate People and Time -- Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step, check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx.com

    1h 7m

  2. JAN 29

    Creating Agile Organizations

    Send us a text Around 70% of most change initiatives are unsuccessful in organizations around the world. How can we create organizations that have the agility to successfully create real change? Join us as Marco Blankenburgh, International Director of KnowledgeWorkx, shares his insights into how agility has shifted from sports and military roots to a key component in business leadership and development. Together, Marco and Shelley explore the significance of collaborative cultures inspired by sports teams and military units, and the journey of agility's integration into business, especially in project management and software development, while tackling the real challenges of change management in the corporate world. The conversation takes a cultural spin, navigating the complexities of implementing agile methods across diverse global landscapes. Cultural interpretations of agility can vary dramatically—sometimes even clashing with established hierarchical structures and traditional leadership roles. Dive into discussions on what truly defines a healthy organization beyond Western-centric norms, and the impact of different organizational structures on productivity and effectiveness. The episode untangles the assumptions tied to organizational health and their influence on agility implementation across various cultural contexts. In a world where organizations are increasingly global, Intercultural Agility becomes indispensable. Learn from real-world examples how businesses have adapted their processes to respect cultural nuances, ensuring global success. Marco and Shelley discuss the "two spotlights approach" for fostering agile cultures, emphasizing the need for collaboration and creating pockets of success as catalysts for broader cultural change. With insights from John King's book "Tribal Leadership," discover how transitioning from competitive to collaborative modes propels organizations to the "we" level where true agility thrives. Join us to unlock strategies for building agile, culturally aware organizations ready to conquer the global stage. | In this episode, you will learn:    -- About the linguistic and cultural issues that need to be taken into account when developing an agile environment.    -- The role of hierarchy within agile systems: directed vs directive destiny.    -- How to gauge when your organization has 'global DNA' and is ready to take on other geographies. | Learn More about:    -- Global Leadership - How to Become a Culturally Agile Leader    -- How Global is Your Company's DNA?  -- Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step, check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx.com

    48 min
  3. Navigating Diversity Initiatives Globally | Part 2 with Linda Berlot

    11/24/2024

    Navigating Diversity Initiatives Globally | Part 2 with Linda Berlot

    Send us a text What truly makes diversity initiatives succeed in today's complex global world? Join Marco Blankenburgh and Linda Berlot as they uncover the qualities of courage and cultural learning necessary for engaging in impactful intercultural dialogues. Their conversation navigates through the intricate layers of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives, dissecting the global hurdles these face. The episode reveals why some DEIB efforts fall short and how giants like Microsoft are rethinking their strategies to heighten cultural adaptability, specifically in regards to relationship-centric and problem-centric cultural approaches. Cultural dynamics and intercultural relationships take center stage as we share insights on the significance of humility and forgiveness. Through a lens of personal experiences and organizational examples, we examine cultural assumptions tied to agency and hierarchy, illustrating the delicate bridge between respecting cultural expressions and maintaining authenticity. We discuss the unique challenges in developing leadership assessments that resonate universally, stressing the importance of considering cultural perspectives to avoid skewed results. With tools like the Three Colors of Worldview and the Cultural Mapping Inventory, we aim to enhance survey designs and data interpretation to better reflect organizational realities. The discussion ventures into the realm of vulnerability in leadership, exploring how it can forge powerful connections, though its acceptance varies across cultural landscapes. We tackle the complexities of cultural sensitivity in addressing global issues and the clever adaptation required to foster meaningful change without imposing a one-size-fits-all approach. The episode invites you to embrace courage as a cultural learner, offering resources to deepen your understanding of intercultural intelligence. Special thanks to Linda Berlot and all contributors who made this enlightening exploration possible. Engage with us as we chart pathways to a more culturally agile world. | In this episode, you will learn:    -- About creating DEIB solutions that thrive beyond an individual-accountability perspective.    -- How to acknowledge the significance of humility and forgiveness in cross-cultural spaces, especially in regards to language barriers.    -- The nuances of transparency and vulnerability in leadership among hierarchical organizations. | Learn More about:    -- Global Leadership - How to Become a Culturally Agile Leader (https://www.knowledgeworkx.com/post/global-leadership-how-to-become-a-culturally-agile-leader)    -- Applying Cultural Agility to DEIB (https://www.knowledgeworkx.com/post/applying-cultural-agility-to-deib)   -- The Key to Unlock Success in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives (https://www.knowledgeworkx.com/post/the-key-to-unlock-success-in-diversity-inclusion-and-belonging-initiatives)  -- Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step, check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx.com

    1h 2m
  4. Enhancing Team Effectiveness Globally | Part 1 with Linda Berlot

    09/16/2024

    Enhancing Team Effectiveness Globally | Part 1 with Linda Berlot

    Send us a text Discover the secrets to applying cultural agility successfully on teams with our esteemed guest, Linda Berlot, whose 20 years of living in Dubai and working across various countries have uniquely positioned her to identify and bridge cultural differences. Linda's rich tapestry of experiences reveals how intercultural agility can transform team miscommunication into curiosity and mutual understanding, ultimately enhancing collaboration and effectiveness. Navigate the complexities of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in a global context with us. We contrast problem-centric and relationship-centric cultural approaches, shedding light on the challenges and strategies for fostering healthy organizational cultures. Embrace a cultural learner mindset with insights into balancing direct and indirect communication styles, and discover the significance of creating a "third cultural space" for collaborative delivery. Learn how to apply a "think local, act global" approach and avoid the pitfalls of imposing solutions across different cultural contexts. With rapid technological changes, we underscore the irreplaceable value of human skills like empathy, creativity, and relationship-building. Equip yourself and your team to navigate change effectively while fostering a culture of curiosity and mutual respect. | In this episode, you will learn:    -- The art of cultural agility and its impact on team dynamics and collaboration.    -- Practical tools offer a roadmap for navigating the complexities of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in a global context.    -- How teams can unlock their full potential and create a more inclusive and effective working environment. | Learn More about:    -- How to Have Better Conversations (http://kwx.fyi/better-conversations)    -- Creating the “Multiplier Effect” on Your Team (http://kwx.fyi/multiplier-effect)  -- Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step, check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx.com

    55 min
  5. Building a Thriving Family Culture with Andrew Doust

    08/30/2024

    Building a Thriving Family Culture with Andrew Doust

    Send us a text How do you create a thriving family culture amidst family tension and succession planning? Join us as we explore this pressing question with Andrew Doust, founder of Plenitude Partners. In this insightful episode, we uncover the intricate web of challenges and opportunities that wealthy families face in balancing relational and emotional dynamics amidst significant financial success. Andrew takes us through his transformative journey from working in a family office to focusing on the importance of strategic planning for family flourishing, underscoring the critical role of healthy communication and emotional intelligence. Dive deep into the heart of generational wealth transfer complexities with us, where we discuss the necessity of equipping younger generations to manage and sustain impactful legacies. Learn about the tension that arises when third and fourth generations' aspirations differ from those of the founders, and discover how fostering contentment and meaningful relationships can alleviate these pressures. Andrew shares practical tools like The Three Colors of Worldview and emotional intelligence profiling, which can enhance empathy and self-awareness, helping families cultivate a positive culture. Finally, we examine the significance of family governance and succession planning, employing psychometric and culture-o-metric tools to understand individual strengths and identities. Explore the cultural tensions faced by families when younger generations return from Western education systems. See how aligning business operations with the families' culture and goals can ensure a sustainable future. By shifting the focus from mere financial success to personal growth and empowerment, families can create environments where each member thrives independently, ultimately enhancing their collective impact on the world. Don't miss this episode filled with transformative insights and real-life examples of navigating the ever-evolving landscape of family wealth and legacy. | In this episode, you will learn:    -- How to cultivate healthy family cultures    -- How to shift the focus away from mere financial success to personal growth and empowerment.    -- How to identify and name the sources of familial tension and how fostering contentment and meaningful relationships can alleviate these pressures. | Learn More about:    --  Bridging the Gap: Navigating Generational Culture in Family Dynamics (http://kwx.fyi/generational)    -- How to Have Better Conversations (http://kwx.fyi/better-conversations)    -- Creating the “Multiplier Effect” on Your Team (http://kwx.fyi/multiplier-effect)  -- Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step, check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx.com

    1h 5m
  6. The Three Colors of Worldview: Applying the Cultural Drivers (part 2)

    07/29/2024

    The Three Colors of Worldview: Applying the Cultural Drivers (part 2)

    Send us a text How can you truly appreciate, honor, and empower diverse perspectives? By understanding and applying the Three Colors of Worldview, you can develop intercultural agility and recognize individual uniqueness. In this 2nd episode of the Three Colors of Worldview series, we clarify its purpose and emphasize the importance of not misusing it to stereotype regions or cultures. By stretching beyond natural preferences, one can foster a richer comprehension of different cultural patterns and enhance interactions and relationships. Discover real-world applications of the Three Colors of Worldview in leadership, trust-based selling, and effective communication. We delve into examples and insights that illustrate how intercultural coaching and high-performing teams can be cultivated, ultimately creating a cohesive organizational culture. Take the Three Colors of Worldview Assessment at interculturalagility.com/assessments | In this episode, you will learn: How to apply the Three Colors of Worldview Discovery ToolHow to use the Three Colors to create a cohesive organizational cultureHow to be playful with the Three Colors to cultivate relationships with everyone you interact with.| Read More about: Three Colors of Worldview, Applying the Innocence-Guilt Cultural Paradigm, Part A, Applying the Honor-Shame Cultural Paradigm, Applying the Power-Fear Cultural Paradigm, -- Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step, check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx.com

    42 min
  7. The Three Colors of Worldview: A Deep Dive into Cultural Drivers (part 1)

    06/25/2024

    The Three Colors of Worldview: A Deep Dive into Cultural Drivers (part 1)

    Send us a text What if understanding three simple colors could transform your perspective on intercultural connection? Join us as Shelley Reinhart welcomes Marco, International Director of KnowledgeWorks, to discuss the innovative framework known as the Three Colors of Worldview. We challenge the limitations of traditional intercultural literature by unveiling a more profound approach that transcends country-specific clichés. Drawing inspiration from psychometric tools and Roland Muller's groundbreaking work, this discovery tool offers deeper insights into our self-cultural identities, moving beyond superficial tips and tricks. Dive into the intricate dynamics of honor, innocence, and power with us. Marco shares personal stories highlighting how these powerful forces shape decision-making and behavior. From family expectations to societal norms, discover how these cultural drivers influence choices about education, marriage, and career. Shelley and Marco bring real-life experiences to provide a vivid illustration of how these concepts operate across different cultural contexts, offering invaluable lessons and fostering greater cultural awareness. Take the Three Colors of Worldview Assessment at interculturalagility.com/assessments | In this episode, you will learn: - The Origins of the Three Colors of Worldview Discovery Tool - The Beautiful Side of Each of the Three Colors of Worldview - Why Shame, Guilt, and Fear are Part of the Three Colors Framework | Read More about the Three Colors of Worldview  - Three Colors of Worldview  (https://www.knowledgeworkx.com/post/three-colors-of-worldview) - Cultural Paradigms and Traffic Jams (https://www.knowledgeworkx.com/post/cultural-paradigms-and-traffic-jams) - The Beauty of Power  (https://www.knowledgeworkx.com/post/the-beauty-of-power) -- Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step, check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx.com

    55 min
  8. Unlocking the World of HR Through Cultural Agility with Erika Butler

    04/03/2024

    Unlocking the World of HR Through Cultural Agility with Erika Butler

    Send us a text In a world that's rapidly shrinking due to globalization, the role of human resources (HR) is evolving just as quickly. Erika, a seasoned HR professional, sat down with Marco Blankenburgh to share her remarkable journey from Pennsylvania to becoming a global HR expert. Her story is not just one of personal growth but also a lesson on the critical importance of intercultural agility within the HR space. This episode is a trove of insights for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of cultural awareness on personal growth and corporate culture. Navigating the multifaceted realm of human resources, Erika's experiences shed light on the subtle yet crucial influence of cultural agility in HR practices. Together we uncover the ways normal Western-centric HR frameworks require a revamp to accommodate a more globally diverse workforce. Erika's stories and our exploration of personality assessment tools like DiSC highlight how strategic culture-building can revolutionize team dynamics and retention. The podcast episode delves into the nuances of intercultural agility, challenging listeners to reconsider how they approach HR and team management. Leaders take note: our enlightening exchange stresses the urgency for intercultural competence, especially when steering teams through turbulence and transformation. Erika sheds light on building trust within diverse groups and the pivotal role of empathetic leadership in nurturing a resilient and inclusive environment. For those ready to expand their horizons, this conversation with Erika and her team beckons, offering a pathway to growth and cultural competency in today's interconnected corporate sphere. Learn more about Erika's work at: gohihr.com In this episode, you will learn:   --  How to use intercultural agility to  build resilient HR systems with Intercultural Agility at their core   -- How strategic culture-building can revolutionize team dynamics and retention.   -- Building trust within diverse groups and the pivotal role of empathetic leadership in nurturing a resilient and inclusive environment | Learn More about:   --  The Secret to Culture Change in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.   -- Unity in Diversity in Your Organization -- The Key to Unlock Success in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives  -- Looking for a book to take your cultural agility to the next step, check out the Ultimate Intercultural Question Book brought to you by KnowledgeWorkx.com

    41 min
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Explore the diverse stories of some of the most advanced Intercultural practitioners from around the world with Marco Blankenburgh, who has been equipping people with cultural agility for 25+ years. Along the way, you will gain cultural insights that will help you find relational success in our globally diverse world. 

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