Mastering Cultural Differences:
Strategies for Leading a Global Workforce

Imagine asking one of your employees if you are going to be able to meet the deadline, receiving an affirmative answer, only to find out later the project is not complete.

Now you are frustrated not only because you cannot fulfill your obligations to your client, but you are also wondering: Why didn't he say so?

The reality is that the employee's cultural orientation may have prevented him to say "no" to his supervisor -- even if that was the correct answer.

Very often diverse talent that could help your company increase business is overlooked. And that is because, when hiring new staff, companies tend to look for the "best fit," which means someone who looks like them, thinks like them, and behaves like them.

No wonder companies are having a hard time getting their employees to "think outside of the box." How can they when they are all in the same box?

Meet The Author

I am Luiza Dreasher, President and CEO of Mastering Cultural Differences.

I design and implement customized programs for organizations that want team members to understand cultural differences and work well across those differences. My goal is to help clients leverage the power of diversity so they can create environments where all individuals feel they belong and can thrive.

I have over 20 years of experience in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competence development. In fact, my expertise in global and domestic diversity has led to consulting jobs and presentations to numerous audiences, including the United States Department of Defense, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Schreiber Foods of Brazil, Navitaire, MN Department of Public Safety, and numerous institutions of higher education.

As a result of my work, individuals often share they feel more at ease working across differences. They also report new levels of understanding and cooperation with the people they work with, serve, and lead.

As a researcher and writer, I provide insight into differences impacting today's culturally diverse workplaces and identify best practices and solutions for increased performance in a global economy.

On a personal note, my husband and I, along with our two small children and my in-laws, spent a week in the Amazon rainforest and we loved it!

Mastering Cultural Differences is the Solution

Increased diversity and globalization are changing the makeup of organizations and teams worldwide. There is now a need for a workforce who can work well across differences, can form productive relationships with diverse clients, and can help their company expand into diverse markets. Mastering Cultural Differences is about valuing differences that enables the creation of more productive and profitable workplaces.

This book if for you if you are…

• An HR Manager trying to create an inclusive organization.
• A Global Talent and LD Personnel interested in bringing learning opportunities into your multicultural organization.
• A Manager or Supervisor working with a global workforce.
• A Sales Leader trying to attract diverse clients.
• An Employee interested in working better with your international co-workers.

Mastering Cultural Differences: Strategies for Leading a Global Workforce will help you

• Gain a deeper understanding of today’s increasingly diverse workplaces
• Recognize the importance of mastering cultural differences
• Learn the many differences in communication styles
• Know the importance of nonverbal communication in daily interactions
• Recognize three essential value orientations and their impact in business negotiations
• Understand how biases impact an organization’s D&I goals
• Learn the skills you need to work effectively across differences
• Identify steps to create a truly inclusive global organization

There is more! Each chapter comes with a cultural incident so you can apply the information learned a section as well with specific tips and strategies.