Cultural Intelligence for Leaders and Teams

Course overview

Professionals in the region increasingly work across cultures: with colleagues from other countries, regional bodies, international partners and diverse communities at home. Misunderstandings about hierarchy, time, directness or relationships can derail projects and partnerships. This cultural intelligence training develops the awareness and skills to work well across cultural differences.

Participants learn the concept of cultural intelligence and its four capabilities: motivation, knowledge, strategy and action. They examine frameworks for understanding cultural values, recognise their own cultural assumptions and biases, and explore how culture shapes communication, decision-making, leadership expectations, conflict and negotiation. Practical sessions focus on adapting behaviour, managing multicultural teams, working with international partners and handling cultural conflict. Participants assess their own cultural intelligence at the start of the week, revisit it at the end, and build a personal development plan. Case examples come from regional bodies, multinational companies, embassies and development projects operating in East Africa.

Participants leave more confident and effective when working, leading and negotiating across cultures.

What you will be able to do

• Explain cultural intelligence and its four capabilities
• Use cultural value frameworks to understand differences
• Recognise personal cultural assumptions and biases
• Adapt communication and behaviour across cultures
• Lead and manage multicultural teams
• Handle cultural conflict and negotiation constructively

Who should attend

For managers and professionals who work with colleagues, partners or communities from different cultural backgrounds.

• Managers and team leaders
• Diplomats and international relations officers
• HR and diversity professionals
• Project managers in multinational teams
• Staff of regional and international organisations
• Customer-facing professionals

Course outline

Fees are per participant in US dollars and cover tuition, course materials and your certificate. Travel and accommodation are not included.