Leading Multicultural Teams

Churches and mission agencies are increasingly characterized by cultural diversity. As a result, many Christians find themselves working as part of a multicultural team. Leading these teams is a complex challenge that requires team leaders to understand how to help multicultural teams thrive. Team leaders need to know how to help team members grow in particular qualities and acquire specific skills related to multicultural teamwork.

This book integrates insights from the Bible, team theory, leadership, and intercultural studies to explain how leaders of multicultural teams can help their teams become enriching and enjoyable contexts to work in, at the same time as achieving their purpose.

This is the book I needed to read before going to the mission field! In spite of having almost forty years' experience working with multicultural teams, I have learned so much from reading it. I will treasure the wisdom and practical help, both in the body of the book as well as in the resources suggested in the footnotes and the appendices. If I had read this book before going to Thailand, it would have saved me a lot of pain and misunderstanding, and I'm sure the missionary community will benefit enormously from this valuable resource.
— Dr. Lorraine Dierch, World Outreach, Thailands

Preface
Acknowledgments

Chapter 1: The Challenge of Leading Multicultural Teams

Chapter 2: How Cultural Differences Affect Teams

Chapter 3: A Vision for Multicultural Community

Chapter 4: Building Healthy Multicultural Team Community

Chapter 5: Clarifying the Team’s Purpose and Approach

Chapter 6: Appreciating Team Members’ Personalities, Roles, and Gifts

Chapter 7: Managing Team Conflict

Chapter 8: Character Qualities to Nurture

Chapter 9: Skills to Work On

Chapter 10: How Organizations Can Support Team Leaders

Appendix 1: Leadership Discussion Questions
Appendix 2: Identifying Your Assumptions and Expectations
Appendix 3: Multicultural Team Leader Inventory