Learn to enhance teamwork with cultural competency skills for a diverse and effective workplace environment.

The self-awareness of our own cultural biases comes with exposure. Unless you immerse in a different culture, you will not be able to notice and identify the reactions and attitudes that are embedded in your own culture. The most effective way to gain awareness is exposure. The more, the better.

Last updated on Jun 29, 2024

Here's how you can enhance your skill in working effectively with diverse teams.

Working effectively with diverse teams is not just a necessity in the global business environment; it's an opportunity to learn and grow in your career. Cultural competency, the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from cultures or belief systems different from one's own, is a critical skill in today's workplace. Enhancing this skill requires a commitment to learning and an openness to different perspectives. Whether you're leading a team or working as part of one, recognizing the value of diversity can lead to more innovative solutions and a more inclusive work culture.

1 Understand Bias

To work effectively with diverse teams, start by acknowledging your own biases. Everyone has them; they stem from our backgrounds, experiences, and the societies we live in. By recognizing these preconceived notions, you can actively work to set them aside and approach each interaction with an open mind. This self-awareness is the first step towards cultural competency and is crucial in creating a respectful and inclusive team environment.

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Petya Rasheva

Dream-Builder. Listener. Globe-Trotter.
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The self-awareness of our own cultural biases comes with exposure. Unless you immerse in a different culture, you will not be able to notice and identify the reactions and attitudes that are embedded in your own culture. The most effective way to gain awareness is exposure. The more, the better.

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Mauvareen Beverley, MD

Executive Physician, Patient Engagement & Cultural Competence Specialist Focused on Implementing Sustainable Programs to Improve Patient Outcomes
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Cultural Competence has to include : 1.American born physicians to foreign born patients 2. Foreign born physicians to American born patients 3. American born physicians to American born patients who are different than themselves

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Kathleen McInturff

Self employed
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Yes ! You can have each person on the team list what their top two biases are , and share with the group and have the group provide feedback 😜

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2 Active Listening

Active listening is the cornerstone of effective communication within diverse teams. It involves fully concentrating on the speaker, understanding their message, responding thoughtfully, and remembering the conversation. This technique not only helps you to understand cultural nuances but also shows respect for your colleagues' perspectives and ideas. By practicing active listening , you foster an environment where all team members feel valued and heard.

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Kathleen McInturff

Self employed
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Best way I have found to do this is by restating the other persons position and then allowing them to validate your position on their comments! It also validates their opinion and opens them to receive feedback 🥰

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3 Cultural Education

Investing time in learning about different cultures can profoundly impact your ability to work with diverse teams. This doesn't mean you need to become an expert in every culture, but having a basic understanding of cultural norms and values can prevent misunderstandings and show your team members that you respect their backgrounds. Whether through formal training, reading, or personal interactions, expanding your cultural knowledge is a continuous process that enhances teamwork.

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Lisa Penn Alvarado (she/her)

Managing Director @ Holistic I Harvard Business Review Advisory Council I DEI Strategist I Executive Coach I Podcast guest I Keynote speaker
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As you grow your cultural competency, you mustn't mistake this as knowing everything about a culture or individual. Don't overgeneralize the experience and culture of any given group, recognize that culture is a part of an individual and not the totality of their identity. No culture is homogeneous.

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Nishita Mehta

Social & Community Development Professional | Intercultural Learning | International Education
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Culture is also like the Iceberg, we all know it. An effective way to encourage cultural education is to celebrate different festivals, not only for the cuisine but to get to the WHY of something. Set up newsflashes to share interesting facts about different cultures. In team building exercises, include cultural components.

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4 Seek Feedback

Feedback is essential in understanding how your actions and words are perceived by others. In diverse teams, it's important to seek feedback regularly to ensure that you are communicating effectively and respectfully. Encourage an open dialogue where team members can provide constructive criticism without fear of reprisal. This not only helps you to improve your cultural competency but also builds trust within the team.

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5 Inclusive Practices

Implementing inclusive practices involves more than just acknowledging diversity; it means actively promoting an environment where all team members can thrive. This could include flexible working arrangements to accommodate different cultural holidays or creating policies that prevent discrimination . By ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, you strengthen the team and enhance its performance.

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6 Reflect Regularly

Finally, take the time to reflect on your experiences working with diverse teams. Consider what went well and what could be improved. Reflection allows you to assess your growth in cultural competency and to set goals for further development. Remember, becoming culturally competent is an ongoing journey, not a destination, and continuous reflection is key to making progress .

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can enhance your skill in working effectively with diverse teams.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Bias

2 Active Listening

3 Cultural Education

4 Seek Feedback

5 Inclusive Practices

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Cultural Competency

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Here's how you can enhance your skill in working effectively with diverse teams.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Bias

2 Active Listening

3 Cultural Education

4 Seek Feedback

5 Inclusive Practices

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Cultural Competency

Rate this article

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