Internship Training
Communicate Professionally
Ever feel like you're not being heard or understood? Learn the different styles to communicate better.
10 minutes to complete
Cultural Sensitivity
To have cultural sensitivity, you must be understanding, respectful, and do additional research when necessary.
Cultural sensitivity helps you navigate potential communication barriers that may arise due to differences in language, communication styles, and non-verbal cues. By being aware of these differences, you can communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings. Cultural sensitivity helps you avoid making assumptions or generalizations based on cultural backgrounds.
Treating individuals as unique people rather than fitting them into stereotypes is crucial for maintaining respectful relationships.
Maintain a great impression in the workplace
🤓 Educate Yourself: Learn about different cultures, customs, and practices to better understand your colleagues' perspectives.
👉 Approach with a curious mindset rather than a judgemental one to ask questions politely.
Ex. Ask "Do you celebrate Hanukkah? If so, how do you/your culture celebrate it?"
😎 Adapt and 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". Say "people with disabilities" not "the disabled".
Sensitive vs. Insensitive Examples
✅ Sensitive
Your team is composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds. You take the time to learn about different cultural norms and practices. One of your colleagues mentions that they will be observing a religious holiday and might need some flexibility with their work schedule. You show cultural sensitivity by respecting their request and offering to assist with any tasks that might overlap with the holiday.
Respect
Offer help
Open-mindedness
❎ Insensitive
You attend a team meeting where a discussion about a new project is taking place and notice that a colleague from a different country is sharing their thoughts, but some team members seem dismissive of their ideas. Later, in a casual conversation, you make a joke about the accent of your international colleague, not realizing that it might come across as insensitive and offensive.
Disrespect
Mocking
Close-mindedness