Multicultural Teams: Recommendations for Effective Leadership

A 2021 study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that people working in companies that structurally promote diversity and inclusion report 13% greater well-being and 21% more motivation in their careers.

For all these advantages to become a reality, organizations need leaders who can effectively manage teams made up of individuals from different nationalities and cultures, some of whom may even be working from anywhere in the world.

The first point a leader should consider is that members of a multicultural team may not only have different communication styles but also different behaviors, values, needs, and priorities. Therefore, empathy, patience, openness, and continuous listening are essential assets to always be attentive to these divergences. Because of this, it is important to take the time to understand different cultures, their etiquettes, and the use of language, both verbal and non-verbal, to avoid confusion or communication errors.

Preventing stereotypes is another significant task for leaders. They must create trustful spaces where all team members feel comfortable speaking honestly about cultural differences to dispel myths. This way, a safe and inclusive environment is created, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

In the same line, it is ideal to create meeting points beyond the workplace, such as extracurricular activities (after-work outings, picnics, themed parties), as they are often conducive to people finding common interests and tastes. In other words, they emphasize what unites rather than what separates.

A good leader of multicultural teams is also capable of generating synergies: integrating and enhancing the skills of each team member and increasing results. In this regard, it is essential that no one, not even the leader, imposes a dominant culture.

Additionally, having information about the performance and mood of individuals is crucial for a positive work environment. That’s why platforms like Workdeck, which focus on promoting talent and optimizing individual performance within an organization, become key allies to help leaders foster inclusive workspaces and take the effectiveness of multicultural teams to a new level.