Case Study
Need for a business leader from Africa to get the best from European staff to serve British customers.
Using cross-cultural communication tools to help a business leader finally achieve his vision.
John, a social care business owner originally from Africa, moved to the UK over a decade ago. With extensive knowledge in his field, he aimed to serve local councils and deliver high-quality care to his clients.
Despite his expertise, John struggled to connect with key decision-makers in local councils who could refer clients to his business. Believing his difficulties stemmed from cultural differences, John approached Kharbitas for guidance.
Challenges Identified
Upon reviewing John’s business, Kharbitas identified two core challenges:
- Cultural Disconnect with Council Decision-Makers: John believed cultural nuances hindered his ability to connect with local council representatives. His approach, while professional, did not fully convey the unique values and vision he wanted to share with councils, limiting his business’s ability to build trust and receive referrals.
- High Staff Turnover and Internal Disengagement: John’s workforce was predominantly Eastern European, and he faced difficulties in fostering engagement and loyalty among them. This high turnover not only disrupted operations but also impacted the continuity of care and the quality of service his clients received.
Kharbitas’ Strategy and Solution
To help John overcome these challenges, Kharbitas implemented a multifaceted approach aimed at transforming both the internal culture of his business and its external image to councils.
- Creating a Unified Company Culture: Recognizing the diverse cultural backgrounds within John’s team, Kharbitas worked with him to build a cohesive, inclusive culture rooted in his own values and ambitions. This new culture embraced the unique backgrounds of his Eastern European staff while establishing shared goals and principles that aligned everyone under a unified vision. This involved:
- Clear Communication of Values and Expectations: We helped John articulate his vision, values, and standards, ensuring these were consistently communicated throughout the company.
- Inclusive Operating Systems: Kharbitas implemented structured onboarding and training programs, specifically designed to bridge cultural gaps and make employees feel welcomed and valued. This allowed staff to understand and appreciate John’s mission and feel more connected to the company’s long-term goals.
- Improved Internal Communication: Kharbitas introduced internal communication systems that fostered transparency and encouraged feedback, giving employees a sense of ownership and involvement.
- Aligning with Local Councils through Strategic Communication: Once the internal culture was solidified, Kharbitas turned its attention to strengthening John’s relationships with local council representatives.
- Transparent Communication of Business Vision and Values: We assisted John in crafting a message that clearly conveyed his business’s mission, values, and unique approach to care. By sharing this vision with council decision-makers, John was able to build trust and demonstrate a strong, client-centered commitment that aligned with council goals.
- Demonstrating Quality and Stability: By addressing the high turnover issue and establishing rigorous quality control systems, John could showcase a reliable, high-quality service to councils. His improved internal stability translated into consistent, dependable care, further enhancing council confidence in his services.
- Implementation of Quality Control and Engagement Systems: Kharbitas also worked with John to establish robust quality control measures that aligned with his new cultural vision. This allowed John to offer a more consistent service, ensuring staff were supported and quality standards were met across the board. Staff engagement was increased through regular reviews, feedback loops, and training that emphasized their professional growth and contribution to the company.
Results and Outcomes
Kharbitas’ interventions led to significant improvements in John’s business:
- Reduced Staff Turnover and Higher Employee Satisfaction: By fostering a unified culture and addressing cultural gaps, John experienced a marked reduction in staff turnover. Employees felt more engaged and aligned with the company’s goals, which contributed to higher job satisfaction and retention.
- Enhanced Quality Control and Service Consistency: With a stable, committed team and rigorous quality measures, John’s business now provided a reliable and consistent level of care, enhancing client satisfaction and bolstering the business’s reputation.
- Strengthened Relationships with Local Councils: John’s clear and aligned communication with council representatives fostered trust and confidence in his business’s capabilities. Council decision-makers felt reassured by his transparent values and quality standards, leading to a steady flow of referrals.
- Improved Business Growth and Stability: With reduced turnover, higher engagement, and established council relationships, John’s business was better positioned for sustainable growth, having successfully bridged the cultural gaps that initially hindered his progress.
Through Kharbitas’ strategic approach, John’s business underwent a transformative journey. By addressing cultural differences, creating a unified internal culture, and aligning his business values with local councils, Kharbitas helped John build a strong foundation for growth and long-term success in the social care sector. Today, John’s business benefits from lower turnover, enhanced staff satisfaction, robust quality controls, and strong connections with key decision-makers in the council.
Additionally, he experienced high staff turnover, primarily among his Eastern European employees, and found it challenging to establish strong, lasting relationships with his team.
Kharbitas – empowering business