In a world that is becoming increasingly diverse, the need for inclusion and effective collaboration has never been greater.
Companies like Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad (DLMI), part of FrieslandCampina, understand the importance of fostering a workplace where foreign and local employees come together as one cohesive team.
To address this challenge and promote inclusivity, DLMI embarked on a unique journey that involved an interactive workshop in collaboration between Cultural Impact and Kuala Lumpur Shakespeare Players (KLSP). This workshop session promotes self-expression and empathy-building, playing a pivotal role in strengthening trust, transparency, connection, and vulnerability within their team.
The Power of Inclusion
Our team-building session is a dynamic and transformative workshop that uses the performing arts to provoke introspection and facilitate dialogue. It provides a safe and creative platform for individuals to express their emotions, thoughts, and perspectives.
For DLMI, it served as the perfect medium to delve into the intricacies of non-verbal communication and cultural differences, ultimately fostering a more inclusive work environment, especially because most of the employees consist of Dutch and Malaysians. Through the session, we observed that the employees were engaged, and shared about their different approach to collaboration.
Trust
Trust is the cornerstone of any successful team. Through various activities and scenarios, team members had the opportunity to see how trust is built, eroded, and rebuilt. This newfound awareness laid the foundation for a deeper level of trust within the team.
Transparency
Transparent communication is key to overcoming misunderstandings and fostering an inclusive environment. The workshop encouraged participants to express themselves openly, without the constraints of traditional communication.
By portraying their thoughts and feelings through theatrical activity such as one called “Image Theatre”, employees gained insight into the power of transparent expression and its impact on their colleagues.
Connection
In a diverse organisation like DLMI, building connections can be a challenge. We manage to help the participants to better understand how their peers from different backgrounds express themselves non-verbally. This insight allowed for more profound connections to be forged, transcending cultural barriers.
Vulnerability
Inclusion necessitates vulnerability – the willingness to share one's true self and experiences. The workshop session created a safe space for employees to embrace vulnerability by expressing their emotions and thoughts through interactive activities. This newfound vulnerability encouraged open dialogue and empathy among team members.
Conclusion:
DLMI's journey with us exemplifies the power of the interactive arts in promoting inclusion and collaboration. In a world where diversity is an asset, companies must actively seek ways to bridge cultural gaps and foster a sense of belonging among their employees.
Our workshop session does not only serve as an informative event which is most of the time one-sided, but it is rather a transformative experience that enables teams to connect on a deeper level, understand one another better, providing a platform to speak up and work together more effectively.
As DLMI continues on its path toward inclusive collaboration, their experience with us serves as a reminder that embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity are not just goals but ongoing journeys that lead to stronger, more resilient, and more successful teams.
For more information; contact us via marietseng@culturalimpact.org or take a look at our LinkedIn page and send us a message!
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