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Communicate Professionally

Ever feel like you're not being heard or understood? Learn the different styles to communicate better.

20 minutes to complete

How to Communicate ​in the Workplace

Professional Language

Cultural Sensitivity

Body Language

Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural sensitivity is the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact effectively with people from different cultures.

To have cultural sensitivity, you must be understanding and respectful, and conduct additional research when necessary. This will help you to:

• Navigate potential communication barriers that may arise due to differences
  
• Avoid making assumptions or generalizations based on cultural backgrounds.
  

Ways to Develop Cultural Sensitivity

🤓 Educate Yourself: learn about different cultures, customs, and practices to better understand your colleagues' perspectives.

👉 Approach with a curious mindset rather than judgemental to ask questions politely.

Ex. Ask "Do you celebrate Hanukkah? If so, how do you/your culture celebrate it?"

😎 Adapt & Learn: be open to others' stories and experiences, and adapt your behavior and communication style to accommodate different cultural norms and preferences.

👉 Use inclusive language by choosing words and phrases that are respectful. Avoid ​language that may unintentionally marginalize others.

Ex. Ask "What pronouns do you use?". Say "meeting" and not "powwow". Lead with ​identity-first language “disabled people” or person-first language "people with ​disabilities" not "the disabled".

Culturally Sensitive vs. Insensitive Examples

Scenario: One of your colleagues mentioned that they will be observing a religious holiday and might need some flexibility with their work schedule. You respect their request and offer to assist with any tasks that might overlap with the holiday.

Scenario: You attend a team meeting where a discussion about a new project is taking place and notice that a colleague is sharing their thoughts, but some team members seem dismissive of their ideas. Later, in a casual conversation, you make a seemingly light-hearted joke that others don’t understand your colleague’s international accent.