This model has proven to be very insightful during my intercultural trainings and I would like to share it with you. Originating from Aristotle’s virtue ethics, the model has been developed by Nicolai Hartmann/Paul Helwig and then became more popular though Friedemann Schulz von Thun, a well-known German psychologist and expert in interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. Where can it be applied? The value square model…
Introduction In July 2019, I shared a selection of what I consider the most insightful cultural dimensions on my Instagram account. I felt that before looking deeper into a specific cross-cultural situation, it is important to learn about the main cultural differences that can be found across the globe. The so-called dimensions are exactly that, dimensions, a range, no absolute figures, no fixed point on…
Cultural intelligence (CQ) ranks among the top “10 vital skills that you need for the future of work”, according to Forbes Magazine. “The path to a shared future is build on diversity and inclusion” writes the World Economic Forum. Globalisation and migration flows are already happening and we can only solve the big issues of our times and thrive in our careers if we are…
“Hè hè” is a hearty Dutch expression of satisfaction after a job well done or a hard day. It was explained to us by Aminata Cairo during her passionate keynote speech at the SIETAR Europa Congress and it perfectly sums up my current state. Now is the time to pause, put up our swollen congress feet, reflect on our take-aways and enjoy the feeling of…
Der am 18.05.2019 im SPIEGEL erschienene Artikel „Expat-Ehefrauen – Wenn mit 27 beruflich Schluss ist“ provoziert und verlangt nach einem Realitätscheck! Ein Dilemma auf mehreren Ebenen Es herrscht in der Tat eine große Diskrepanz zwischen dem hohen Grad der Qualifikation und der Alltagsrealität einer mitausreisenden Partnerin. Es ist ein Dilemma auf mehreren Ebenen, für das es jedoch kreative und zeitgemäße Lösungen gibt. Frauen, die mitten…
A great way to get your social life started in a new town in a new country is joining a club! This can be any type of club, related to sports, languages, art, literature, music, games, crafting, animals, nature, hiking, cooking or anything that is of interest to you. Through common interests we can easily bond, regardless of the language barrier, our origin, gender or…
Did you know that chameleons shed their skin frequently? Chameleons renew their skin every three to four weeks when they are young and growing quickly. As adults, they shed around every two months to accommodate changes in weight and renew old scales. I consider myself a cultural chameleon because I grew up in several different countries until the age of 18, all of which are…
