What is the best cultural self-assessment for learning about working internationally?

What is the ICBI cultural assessment?

The Individual Cultural Blueprint Indicator (ICBI)™ is designed to help individuals and organizations increase productivity, improve teamwork, and promote efficient communications within multi-cultural environments. The goal is to create awareness for each team member about his or her own cultural identity, so they can address challenges proactively from a place of knowledge and respect.

How does the ICBI work?

You will need about 15-20 minutes to complete the ICBI.  It provides you with a complete “Cultural Preferences and Gaps” report.  You identify the most relevant cultural gaps affecting your life and evaluate whether the resulting challenges can be solved by addressing those gaps.

How does the ICBI relate to the 4C’s Culture Mastery program?

The 4C’s Cultural Mastery is a four-step cross-cultural program that guides professional on a journey from identification of cultural preferences through the establishment of real-world solutions.  The ICBI is the first step of the process when you take the ICBI assessment to “CALCULATE” your preferences.  The second step of the process is “CHOOSE” when you decide which preferences are negotiable and those that are non-negotiable.  The third step is “CHANGE” when you determine how to change your habits and behaviors when working across cultures.  The fourth step is “CREATE” when you work with others to respect everyone’s cultural preferences and create the best ways to work together.

How do I use a cultural assessment in an organization?

For culturally diverse teams, the ICBI™ process empowers colleagues, clients, partners, and staff to compare their cultural preferences and use that knowledge to create a more efficient business environment.

Newly formed teams will find they are able to build their processes and patterns based on a foundation of awareness that supports the creation of an inclusive environment. This hinges on a respectful understanding of their differences.

Long-established teams will use their new knowledge to identify the root of persistent problems that may stem from cultural misunderstandings. This enables them to break the deadlock and address tensions related to cultural gaps.

To learn more about the ICBI, cultural training and train-the-trainer programs for organizations, contact the Global Coach Center.