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Writer's pictureZafira Yong

Embracing Diversity: SCANIA Malaysia’s Journey Towards Better Collaboration



In today's interconnected world, diversity in the workplace is not just a buzzword but a reality that shapes the dynamics of teams and organisations. Recognizing this, SCANIA Malaysia recently embarked on a transformative journey with our facilitation program aimed at fostering better collaboration within their top management team.


Diversity goes beyond just visible differences; it encompasses varying perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. However, harnessing the power of diversity requires more than just assembling a group of individuals from different backgrounds. It demands a culture of openness, vulnerability, and empathy – traits that SCANIA Malaysia sought to cultivate through our program.


At the heart of the facilitation lies the recognition that meaningful dialogue and understanding can only flourish in an environment where individuals feel safe to express themselves authentically. This necessitates a willingness to engage in uncomfortable conversations and address sensitive topics head-on.


The facilitation program provided a structured platform for SCANIA Malaysia's top management to delve into these critical conversations. Through a series of workshops, team-building exercises, and facilitated discussions, participants were encouraged to explore their own biases, assumptions, and preconceptions.


One of the key pillars of the program was the cultivation of openness. Participants were urged to embrace vulnerability and share their perspectives and experiences openly, even when discussing challenging topics. This created a safe space where individuals could express themselves without fear of judgement, fostering trust and mutual respect among team members.


Moreover, the program emphasised the importance of active listening and empathy. By actively listening to each other's stories and experiences, participants gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by their colleagues. This empathy not only strengthened interpersonal relationships but also enhanced collaboration and teamwork.


Central to the facilitation was the idea of leading by example. SCANIA Malaysia's top management set the tone for the entire organisation by demonstrating their commitment to diversity and inclusion. By actively participating in the program and engaging in honest conversations, they encouraged others to do the same, creating a ripple effect throughout the organisation.


As a result, SCANIA Malaysia's top management team emerged stronger and more cohesive than ever before. They developed a deeper appreciation for each other's perspectives and experiences, paving the way for more effective collaboration and decision-making. In reflecting on the program, let's hear the feedback experienced by SCANIA Malaysia's top management team.


“Today's session with Cultural Impact has been truly transformative. We came in without any expectations, but we are leaving feeling immensely grateful and empowered. The space provided allowed us to open up conversations that we often shy away from, and I am thankful for the opportunity to share and talk about sensitive topics in a safe environment. Through this session, we’ve learned to be more culturally sensitive and conscious, and I now feel equipped to navigate diverse groups. The team assessment results were eye-opening for some of us, as we realised that even ourselves didn't fully recognize our own style until now. This session has helped us to not only identify each of our strengths but also understand how to work with others' styles effectively. We are amazed at how we were able to break barriers and establish team cohesiveness in such a short time. Today's session was a resounding success and SCANIA is excited to apply what we've learned and continue our journey forward as a more united and inclusive team.”

-SCANIA Malaysia


However, the journey towards embracing diversity is ongoing. SCANIA Malaysia recognizes that it is not enough to simply attend a few workshops – true cultural transformation requires continuous effort and commitment. Moving forward, they are committed to embedding the principles of openness, vulnerability, and empathy into the fabric of their organisational culture, ensuring that diversity remains a cornerstone of their success.


In conclusion, this program serves as a shining example of how organisations can embrace diversity and foster better collaboration within their teams. By creating a culture of openness and vulnerability, SCANIA Malaysia has laid the foundation for a more inclusive and innovative workplace where every voice is valued and heard.


 

So, if you're ready to embark on your own transformative journey towards a more inclusive workplace, we invite you to reach out to us today. Let's work together to build a culture where diversity isn't just embraced – it's celebrated, respected, and leveraged for success. Contact us now to learn more about how Cultural Impact can support your organisation's diversity and inclusion initiatives.


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