Yvonne Wolf

Lacking confidence in networking skills? Remember, the majority of the people have the same trepidation. Look for one person alone in the room. Say hello and start from there. You two can then take your newfound confidence to reach out to others together or as separate newly minted expert networkers.

...start with having a diverse team to reach out to clients. Diverse teams produce more innovative and customer-relevant ideas and products. Customers from non-dominant cultures who see themselves represented in the room have a greater sense that they and their needs matter. Diverse workforces benefit all as we all get to realize our shared humanity and expand our knowledge by connecting with, listening to, and learning from people from other cultural identities.

Being curious and open is key. Ask questions, but also be mindful of their comfort level in sharing. Learn about your orientation to differences. Intercultural Development Inventory, IDI, is an instrument that helps build cultural competence with individuals and teams. One of the best ways to build cultural competence is to spend time with people from other cultures and spend time in Countries outside of your birth. Even though I had worked Globally for 10+ years, it wasn't until I lived and worked in West Africa for seven months that I truly experienced the culture, which is quite different from the view you get at a tourist.

One of the best things we can do for ourselves professionally, and personally is to live and work in another country. I’ve worked Internationally for over 20 years, but it wasn’t until I lived in another country, not as a visitor with my norms and customs, but as a local, listening and learning, that I experienced the richness of another culture.

When we find ourselves creating narratives about people that aren’t of their sharing, we have entered the dangerous territory of stereotyping. Neuroscientist caution that the Amygdala can take over, triggering a “fight or flight” in response to difference.

To be culturally competent is to be an inclusive bridge builder. At a time when far too many are showing up as divisive, and seeking supremacy, the cultural competent are curious and humble, inviting others to share their perspective, culture and experiences, without judgement. It is beyond eating different foods, and visiting new places, it is honoring the humanity and experiences of those who may not look, think, or sound like you. Culturally competent people are interesting and interested, always striving to learn more, to be better. They embrace and share their diversity/uniqueness and invite others to do the same, leaving them feeling seen, heard, and valued.