21st Century Africa brought new challenges for those who work with African institutions, whether on a regular or project basis. The cultural diversity in any African meeting is likely to be greater than ever before. Although exciting, culturally rooted differences can also render cross-cultural cooperation time-consuming and frustrating, with difficulties ranging from a lack of common language to different concepts of managing, negotiating, and time-keeping. That is to mention only a few of the challenges encountered in an African workplace setting.

Working with African Colleagues explores the challenges as well as the opportunities created by the cultural diversity that exists within the corridors of African institutions. It also goes into how cultural differences manifest in everyday workplace situations and how these can be best harnessed to make cross-cultural working situations a positive and rewarding experience.

Benefits

IBA Global Working with African Colleagues course will provide you with:

• Increased awareness of culture and cultural differences and their impact in the cross-cultural workplace
• In-depth understanding of different approaches to workplace organisation
• An exploration of different working, management and communication styles
• An appreciation for the advantages of cultural diversity in the cross-cultural workplace
• The cultural competence to allow you to reduce cross-cultural misunderstandings
• Practical tips to encourage positive and successful cross-cultural working relationships

Who should attend

An IBA Global Working with African Colleagues course will be of benefit if you:

• Work with African departments and counterparts on a regular basis
• Are involved in African lobbying activities
• Lead EU-funded cross-border projects
• Are involved in strategic African planning or negotiations
• Are involved in organising visits by African officials, meetings, conferences and similar events

Course content

All of our Working with African Colleagues training courses are designed to meet the specific needs of our clients depending on their specific requirements and existing skills set. A Working with African Colleagues course typically includes:

• Cultural definitions and dimensions
• Background to Africa’s cultural diversity
• Attitudes and values across Africa
• Cross-cultural workplace dynamics
• Communicating with African colleagues
• Tips for social and workplace etiquette
• Practical strategies for working with African colleagues

Approach

Working with African Colleagues courses are available seven days a week, 365 days a year, either at one of our training centres or at your offices in any location worldwide. We usually recommend a one or two day course but can also offer a more flexible format to suit your schedule.

Suitably tailored materials will be used throughout your course and your trainer will provide a balance of structured input and discussion of case studies and scenarios relevant to your own particular context.
The most appropriate training format, content and approach for your Working with African Colleagues course will be discussed during your diagnostic consultancy (please click here to read more about our approach).

Working with African Colleagues Course Trainer

Your Working with African Colleagues trainer will be assigned to you following the results of your diagnostic consultancy according to your objectives and areas of focus.