Team Building: Cultural Iceberg

Team relationship building with the cultural iceberg

Objectives

• creating and deepening connections between team members

• higher empathy and understanding for the other person

• bridging differences, connecting through similarities and "surprise/aha" insights and laughter

• start the conversation and stay curious

Keep a curious mind and an open and judgement-free heart

Why talk about culture?

We all live in our personal bubble, and we might assume people know more about us, then they actually do.

Be ready to explore yourself!

• I am not my culture"

  • Cultures and their stereotypes give an easy access to start the conversation around behaviours, habits and values (punctual, too early/late, inviting peers to your house, separation of work and personal life etc.)

  • You can speak about "your personal culture" instead of the country you grew up in, or the one you were born, or where your parents are from)

• "I identify with more than one culture"

  • Can you tell which (behaviour, value) belongs to which? Just play with it! In our example we showcase exactly this case

• "I lived abroad for so long, I can't even tell if that is me, or someone else"

  • You resonate with the nomad culture? Or a mix? Dive in and explore yourself.

• "That is too personal"

  • Focus on work related things. What is good and important to know about how you show up at work? It is absolutely fine to draw a line and still connect.