"Above all else, be daring, be bold, be unconventional." -Kevin Rampe
The "C" Model of Cross -Cultural Entry
When traveling to a new environment, there is so much to consider. The below model will cover four main aspects for traveling as part of the Psi Prime Cohort for consulting engagements. If traveling independent of a cohort, this can be changed to companions / anyone entering the culture as a non-native with you.
Country
First, the big environmental change will be the country. Along with new surroundings, there will be new foods, smells, customs, languages, etc. and what is familiar to you in the mundane will vary abroad. There are several ways to prepare for these changes: researching Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, learning the country’s history at a high level to better understand some driving forces behind dynamics you’ll encounter. Breaking down the country's environment in power distance, level of individualism, masculine/feminine, how the culture reacts to uncertainty, and time orientation will provide some great insights and likely spark more questions. Consider the socioeconomics of where you travel – what area is lodging or the food you will be eating – how does that impact the subculture of the area? How accepting of the unequal distribution of power or wealth are the locals? There are the first-tier questions: what is the language, how to get around, sites to see, faux pas to avoid, but reviewing the culture at a deeper level will result in better understanding of the place and people when you are there.
While abroad, maintain curiosity and seek to understand. Does the research leading into the trip match the experience now that you are in the environment? How does it differ? Think about the history and view of the country – is there an emphasis on long term or short term? Keeping a weather eye for observable behaviors and differences will make it easier to form relationships and earn trust as you travel. Remember that you are a visitor and no matter how extensive the research, it is not the same as the lived experience of locals.
Company
The company that is chosen for the flash consulting engagements will be microcosms of the larger country and culture dynamic. It is crucial to do research into what the company does. Are there public artifacts that can help you to make a connection with your contact or the company? Does the company culture reflect the country that it is in or perhaps the country where headquarters are, think about how those cultures compliment each other or hinder one another. Make mental notes of what employees do and the words they choose, these nuances can be indicators to something deeper going on at the company that could impact the consulting and issue you are there to help with.
The preparatory research will provide context into the client and company but meeting with people at the company will provide much more insight and understanding. Remember that the people shape the culture and norms you will encounter in your consulting.
Cohort
The environment of the classroom and dynamics of the cohort come into play greatly when traveling. This is the group you spend the most time with and depending on how the consulting engagement, intergroup dynamics, or personal lives are going, it will shape your experience. When planning the trip, review what has been learned up to the point around group dynamics. Think about how to have difficult conversations with empathy and remember that everyone is there to learn. Think about how you react with lack of sleep, away from loved ones, and how that impacts yourself in conflicts. Setting intentions for what you want for yourself, your consulting group, and the client group will serve as a north star. Use this to check-in with another and invite frequent feedback so you can all adapt in real time. Remember clarity is kindness and assume positive intent.
Core
The core of self – this is the final layer that this model will cover. When traveling, you are the only constant you will encounter, and arguably, traveling will change outlooks and assumptions. This environment influences everything that goes on around you. Think about what you need to thrive, how will you take care of yourself should things not go as planned? When preparing for the trip, reflect on what you want out of it and what your intentions are. What will ensure you have an enjoyable time? Remember that you left your country and comfort zone to learn about new cultures, peoples, and ways of being. Be flexible with plans, be polite, and respect the cultures. Asking questions is a wonderful way to learn more about each environmental layer and test your research. Seek to understand with open eyes and an open mind.
First, the big environmental change will be the country. Along with new surroundings, there will be new foods, smells, customs, languages, etc. and what is familiar to you in the mundane will vary abroad. There are several ways to prepare for these changes: researching Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, learning the country’s history at a high level to better understand some driving forces behind dynamics you’ll encounter. Breaking down the country's environment in power distance, level of individualism, masculine/feminine, how the culture reacts to uncertainty, and time orientation will provide some great insights and likely spark more questions. Consider the socioeconomics of where you travel – what area is lodging or the food you will be eating – how does that impact the subculture of the area? How accepting of the unequal distribution of power or wealth are the locals? There are the first-tier questions: what is the language, how to get around, sites to see, faux pas to avoid, but reviewing the culture at a deeper level will result in better understanding of the place and people when you are there.
While abroad, maintain curiosity and seek to understand. Does the research leading into the trip match the experience now that you are in the environment? How does it differ? Think about the history and view of the country – is there an emphasis on long term or short term? Keeping a weather eye for observable behaviors and differences will make it easier to form relationships and earn trust as you travel. Remember that you are a visitor and no matter how extensive the research, it is not the same as the lived experience of locals.
Company
The company that is chosen for the flash consulting engagements will be microcosms of the larger country and culture dynamic. It is crucial to do research into what the company does. Are there public artifacts that can help you to make a connection with your contact or the company? Does the company culture reflect the country that it is in or perhaps the country where headquarters are, think about how those cultures compliment each other or hinder one another. Make mental notes of what employees do and the words they choose, these nuances can be indicators to something deeper going on at the company that could impact the consulting and issue you are there to help with.
The preparatory research will provide context into the client and company but meeting with people at the company will provide much more insight and understanding. Remember that the people shape the culture and norms you will encounter in your consulting.
Cohort
The environment of the classroom and dynamics of the cohort come into play greatly when traveling. This is the group you spend the most time with and depending on how the consulting engagement, intergroup dynamics, or personal lives are going, it will shape your experience. When planning the trip, review what has been learned up to the point around group dynamics. Think about how to have difficult conversations with empathy and remember that everyone is there to learn. Think about how you react with lack of sleep, away from loved ones, and how that impacts yourself in conflicts. Setting intentions for what you want for yourself, your consulting group, and the client group will serve as a north star. Use this to check-in with another and invite frequent feedback so you can all adapt in real time. Remember clarity is kindness and assume positive intent.
Core
The core of self – this is the final layer that this model will cover. When traveling, you are the only constant you will encounter, and arguably, traveling will change outlooks and assumptions. This environment influences everything that goes on around you. Think about what you need to thrive, how will you take care of yourself should things not go as planned? When preparing for the trip, reflect on what you want out of it and what your intentions are. What will ensure you have an enjoyable time? Remember that you left your country and comfort zone to learn about new cultures, peoples, and ways of being. Be flexible with plans, be polite, and respect the cultures. Asking questions is a wonderful way to learn more about each environmental layer and test your research. Seek to understand with open eyes and an open mind.