Do you think that you could be more culturally sensitive at work? Maybe you feel as though you need to learn more about culture so that you can be more respectful of others. Either way, everyone should do their bit to learn about history and the beliefs of others, and if you can take that next step, then you are already benefitting yourself and those around you.
Ask the Employee
Sometimes the best and the easiest way for you to find out more about cultural norms would be for you to ask team members who come from that background to teach you about it. You will get a way better response if you ask real questions and if you conduct a real search for information. You also need to try and make sure that you are asking someone who has some degree of acculturation as well. Some of the best questions for you to ask would be how they have adjusted to living in the country, and what it means when someone of their culture does something that relates to their background. Things like this can help you to increase awareness and it also helps you to be much more proactive in your search for information.
Use Community Resources
Another fantastic source of information would be for you to explore community resources. It may be that they can give you concrete information as to any questions you might have, and you may even find that you can learn about multiculturism this way. If you can, call a local teaching service in your district and also try and ask about how society can do its bit when it comes to supporting those who come from multiple backgrounds. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to get the best result out of your exploration journey.
Read about it
If you can find nonfiction books, then this will help you to get the information you need directly. This will help you to learn more about other cultures in the best and fastest way. It will also arm you with information, should you need to talk to someone who is part of your business team about their culture. If you can do this, then you will soon find that you can reach a level of cultural understanding much more efficiently. If you are buying for someone who is from a certain cultural background, then buying gifts that resonate with this message could help to show the other person that you care and that you are willing to learn to make sure that everyone is understood and appreciated with their way of working.
Observe
One of the most enlightening things that you can do is observe different cultures. If possible you need to try and make sure that you look up footage. If you look at the US, you will see that a lot of parent and child teachings revolve around the spoken word. People of this cultural background will often tell children what they want them to do. Those who come from Mexico on the other hand have different ways of teaching their children. They are much more likely to use physical ways of asking their child to do something, such as by taking their hand and showing them what they want them to do, or where they want them to go. There is nothing wrong with either teaching and they are culturally different, and if you can keep an open mind with things like this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to reach a level of cultural understanding.
Share in Staff Meetings
It’s a good idea for you to talk about cultural differences where possible. Share your insights about the norms that you are dealing with and what you can do to be more understanding. It is beneficial for you to start a support group that has a multicultural configuration. You may even find that it is possible for you to offer resources so that you can gain more consultation and advice.
Conduct a Focus Group
If you want to find out more, then it could be wise for you to start a focus group. When you do this, you may find that you can get the answers you need and that you can even start group discussions. Questions such as the ones listed earlier in this post could help you to start healthy discussions so that you can make your workplace more culturally inclusive.
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