Growing Intercultural Capacity in Community Healthcare
Turning intercultural competence from an abstract aspiration into a developmental process for individuals, teams and the communities they serve.
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre is one of Ottawa’s largest community health organizations, serving over 20,000 clients annually.
With a diverse team of over 300 staff and numerous volunteers, PQCHC provides an extensive range of services, including primary health care, mental health support, community outreach, and social services. Operating multiple locations across the city, PQCHC embraces diversity in all its forms, ensuring that its services are culturally sensitive and tailored to meet the unique needs of Ottawa’s varied communities.
The Challenge
PQCHC serves a highly diverse community. The leadership team wanted to strengthen its ability to navigate cultural differences, communicate across perspectives and build trust with clients and colleagues – while recognizing that growth had to begin with self-awareness.
How We Worked
- Completed a situational assessment using staff surveys and interviews.
- Administered the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) at individual and group levels.
- Held one-to-one debriefs focused on results, personal challenges and interpersonal dynamics.
- Facilitated group coaching and supported individual development plans for continued growth.
What Changed
- Deepened understanding of cultural perspectives across the team.
- Improved trust, collaboration and empathy in team interactions.
- Created individual ownership of intercultural growth through development plans.
- Strengthened organizational readiness to serve diverse communities more responsively.
Client Feedback
We were extremely happy with services provided by Sayid Consulting.
“We were extremely happy with services provided by Sayid Consulting. Manal did an excellent job coaching and guiding our team both through one-on-one conversations and group facilitation pinpointing our needs, leading engaging and reflective discussions, and offering transformative tools and ways of thinking. The process has had significant positive impact on the way work together, view our clients, and offer services. Thanks so much Sayid Consulting!”
Valerie Marsh, RECE
Team Lead, Family Support Programs