Intercultural communication teamwork and leadership/CCOM103/Communicating across difference/Video signpost: Hanson

View video - ESCEM, Mike Hanson’s International Management: Managing Diversity. [9:14 min.] [St, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i4dQQTQBkw] Professor Hanson points out that when we think about diversity we usually think about differences. Hansen agrees that diversity of ideas supports more creativity than the ‘group think’ that can happen when everyone shares the same or similar views. However, he points out that focussing on differences can be a problem too. In his view, it’s more effective in business communications to seek out common points of agreement versus differences of opinion. His advice is to be humble, curious, and try to understand others’ views to build trust. Ask questions and find out how you can accommodate people. Culture is one aspect of diversity but it’s important to also consider also gender, age, family roles, various abilities and disabilities. He asks: how does your organization deal with diversity?