Enhancing Your Cultural Intelligence: Navigating Cultural Differences for Intercultural Success
Full-Day Workshop for OIA/McMaster Staff with an International Portfolio (2 x 3-hour sessions)
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Location: Hybrid | OIA Boardroom, 101 Gilmour Hall & Virtual
Zoom Link: https://mcmaster.zoom.us/j/94706502961 (Meeting ID: 947 0650 2961 | Passcode: 743379)
This full-day, immersive workshop is designed specifically for the unique needs of McMaster International Office staff. Whether you’re responsible for building strategic partnerships, welcoming international delegations, or coordinating global mobility programs, this workshop will provide you with essential Cultural Intelligence (CQ) strategies to excel in your role. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to navigate cultural differences is critical for fostering successful international collaborations and creating welcoming environments for visitors and partners.
9:00am-12:00pm – Morning Session: Foundations of Cultural Intelligence
The morning will focus on the foundational components of CQ: motivation and knowledge. You’ll explore practical methods to assess and strengthen your CQ, with a particular focus on how these skills can enhance the work you do. Whether you’re managing cross-cultural communications or representing McMaster on a global stage, these skills are essential for creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
Key Topics:
- Understanding the Fundamentals of CQ: Drive & Knowledge
- Creating and Using a Cultural Value Profile to improve partnerships and relationships
- Enhancing motivation and confidence in cross-cultural contexts, particularly when working with international stakeholders
12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch Provided
1:00pm-4:00pm – Afternoon Session: Advanced CQ Skills for Strategic Engagement
The afternoon will take a deeper dive into advanced CQ strategies, with a focus on applying these skills in real-world international office scenarios. You’ll learn how to adapt your communication and decision-making processes to various cultural contexts, ensuring successful interactions with partners and delegations from around the world. The session also focuses on improving teamwork and collaboration across diverse, multicultural teams within McMaster and beyond.
Key Topics:
- Advanced Fundamentals of CQ: Strategy & Action
- Adapting to cultural differences in global partnership development and delegation coordination
- Collaborative strategies for multicultural teams, ensuring effective communication and shared goals
- Principles of sustainable decision-making in an international context
By the end of the day, you’ll have the tools and confidence to enhance your intercultural skills, helping you succeed in your role and contribute to the broader success of McMaster’s international initiatives.
Preparatory Questions for Faculty and Staff
Identifying Intercultural Challenges:
What are the most significant intercultural challenges you currently face in your role, especially related to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, in global classrooms or studying abroad?
Setting Expectations for the Workshop:
What are you hoping to gain from this workshop to better navigate intercultural interactions and support your students/global audience?
Current Strategies and Tools:
What strategies or tools are you currently using to address intercultural challenges and support yourself as well as your students in international contexts? How effective have you found these tools to be?
Expandable List
To register for this workshop, please click here.