Giving Compass' Take:

• James da Costa, writing for Forbes, discusses the steps necessary for companies to build collaboration across cultures and the benefits of doing so for organizations outside of their home countries. 

• What kind of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives could help with cross-cultural collaboration? 

• Read this roadmap for effective collaboration. 

In a globalized modern world, it's key for organizations -- nonprofits, especially -- to create collaboration and share their message across cultures. At the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a $60 billion package of aid, investment and loans for Africa. However, in order to unlock the potential of this, the Chinese and African people must be able to work together effectively and communicate fluidly across deep cultural divides.

Here are some of the lessons I've learned and applied along the way on how to create cross-cultural collaboration:

  • Know your problem: In order to get groups to collaborate or solve problems through collaboration, you must first know what you are solving. You then have a valuable reason to bring various groups of people together.
  • Look for similarities and celebrate differences: Collaboration calls for a change in the attitude and behavior of people, first and foremost. Finding similarities and celebrating differences can be at the center of this, as it is often a lack of similarities or fear of differences that breaks down the communication chain.
  • Define what your value proposition is: Defining what you offer is key for you and those around you to understand your role in the ecosystem.
  • Get people in the same room: Even though we live in a digital age, never underestimate the power of a face-to-face meeting or the power of voice.
  • Lead by example, and create great case studies: Find or create an example of how your organization has brought people together. Be fact-based about the benefits of working together, share your own personal stories and actually get involved yourself.

Read the full article about creating collaboration across cultures by James da Costa at Forbes