The core challenges of operating effectively at interfaces are simple: learning about people on the other side and relating to them.
Tiziana Casciaro, Amy C. Edmondson & Sujin Jang
But simple does not mean easy; human beings have always struggled to understand and relate to those who are different.
takeaways of note:
4 practices to enabling effective interfacing:
1. Develop & Deploy Cultural Brokers… by acting as a “Bridge” or an “Adhesive”:
“Bridges” act as a go-between, allowing people to collaborate with minimal disruption to routine
“Adhesives” bring people together & build mutual understanding & lasting relationships
2. Encourage People to Ask the Right Questions… (1) be a role model and (2) teach the art of inquiry
3. Get People to See the World Through Others’ Eyes… emphasize how integration of diverse expertise enhances value creation: (1) organize cross-silo dialogues; (2) hire for curiosity & empathy
4. Broaden Your Team’s Vision… (1) bring team members from diverse groups together on initiatives; (2) urge teams to explore distant networks