My advice here is to learn as much as possible about the persons culture before the person integrates the team as you may have to adapt some of your own behaviours towards the person based on this. To be effective in doing so do an overview of the persons culture using the four levels of culture; that is to say: 1. Symbols (France - Paris, Haute couture, croissant, Eiffel tower etc.... 2. Heroes (France - Cahrles De Gaulle, Zola, Descartes..) 3. Rituals- (France- kissing on the cheeks as a greeting, pause café...) 4. Values (Liderté, égalité, fraternité) The deeper level of culture are numbers three and four so probably the most important to understand. Lerning a few words of the persons language can also be a good thing.

When leading a diverse team, connecting with someone from a different culture is key. Start with an open conversation to understand their background and work preferences. Learn a bit about their culture to show respect and avoid misunderstandings. Use clear language, avoiding jargon. Adapt your leadership style to fit their needs, as different cultures respond to leadership differently. Include them in team discussions and activities to create a sense of belonging. Lastly, lead with empathy—show you care about their challenges and are there to support them.

Getting to know a new team member’s culture really helps build strong connections. I’ve found that regular check-ins and casual one-on-one chats work wonders for understanding their unique perspective. Also, setting up team-building activities that celebrate different traditions can make everyone feel included. Creating an open, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing their views is key. Plus, a little curiosity and genuine interest go a long way.

When leading a diverse team and connecting with a new member from a different culture, it’s crucial to start by building trust through genuine curiosity and respect. In my experience, asking about their cultural background in an open and non-intrusive way helps break the ice and shows that you value their uniqueness. It’s important to adapt your communication style—consider language preferences, non-verbal cues, and different work practices. Most importantly, foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and respected. By demonstrating cultural awareness and empathy, you create stronger bonds and encourage collaboration.