RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2021
14
D
iverse teams add tremendous value to any organization…
if they work as a cohesive unit. Empower your leaders to
bring together teams made up of members from different
cultures, age groups and socio-economic backgrounds.
In today's workplace, cross-cultural collaboration is essential
to the survival of any business. Unfortunately, bringing together
people from a variety of backgrounds can lead to "us vs. them"
misunderstandings and clashes that work against the goals of
the company.
Too often, well-intentioned consultants and HR representatives
attempt to solve these problems with a Band-Aid
™
approach to
situations that warrant comprehensive solutions. Diversity in
virtually every U.S. organization has increased over the past
twenty years, yet the closest we have come to a workplace best
practices guide is online diversity training courses or methods of
coaching "problem" executives to be more sensitive. Neither of
these avenues leads to meaningful change.
Kriska teaches leaders in any organization how to prevent "us
vs. them" culture clashes by promoting inclusion in their
organizations to increase employee retention and productivity
and prevent misunderstandings that lead to lost time and
increased legal risk.
B O O K R E V I E W
THE BUSINESS OF WE:
The Proven Three-Step Process for Closing the
Gap Between Us and Them in Your Workplace
Author: Laura Kriska is a leading cross-cultural consultant specializing in communication and teamwork
with culturally diverse organizations. For 25 years, she has worked with thousands of professionals in
industries including manufacturing, finance, energy, biotech, electronics, entertainment and auto racing.
Kriska has developed a global framework for understanding cultural differences and a process
applicable to any multicultural group. Organizations hire her to teach global professionals how to
achieve clear communication, strong professional relationships and effective teamwork.
Publisher: HarperCollins Leadership
RO