Leading Change in a Hybrid World: Cultural Agility and Remote Leadership – Jaques
Abstract:
As hybrid and remote work become the new normal, project leaders face the complex challenge of driving change across distributed, culturally diverse teams. Success in this environment requires more than technical coordination—it demands cultural agility, emotional intelligence, and adaptive leadership. This presentation explores how project managers can lead effectively in a hybrid world through the lens of the IPMA Individual Competence Baseline (ICB4), integrating key elements from the People, Perspective, and Practice competence areas. The ICB4 is the global standard for project, program and portfolio management competence, developed by the International Project Management Association (IPMA). The ICB4 delivers 29 competences in three domains: People, Practice and Perspective.
From the People domain, the focus is on leadership, communication, and teamwork—how to inspire trust, foster collaboration, and maintain engagement across time zones and cultures. Attendees will learn techniques for promoting psychological safety, managing conflict in virtual spaces, and developing team identity without physical proximity.
The Perspective domain highlights how understanding organizational strategy, governance, and culture shapes change initiatives in hybrid contexts. Leaders must align diverse teams with shared purpose and values while remaining sensitive to local norms and individual needs.
From the Practice domain, participants will explore practical methods for planning, implementing, and sustaining change in hybrid environments, emphasizing digital fluency, structured communication, and feedback-driven adaptation.
This presentation explores project competency: the essential behaviors of a project manager, rather than a specific methodology or approach. By focusing on competence, project managers can apply a multitude of tools, methods, and approaches successfully. Drawing from research and real-world examples, the session will equip project managers with actionable strategies to lead transformation that transcends location and cultural boundaries—building connected, high-performing teams ready for the future of work.
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen
