INCLUSIVE MINDSET & INTERCULTURAL MINDSET: QUIETING JUDGEMENT

The definition of inclusion is ensuring that every person invited to a space feels safe, valued and empowered to contribute authentically. True inclusion is defined by the small choices we make in our daily group interactions. It also demands intercultural competence and a commitment to an open mindset, not just gathering people. Bringing people together with different cultural heritage, background experiences, communication styles and world views create the richest collaborative spaces. However, it is not always smooth sailing while working across differences.

I have learned that memorizing a checklist of rules for each and every culture is definitely not intercultural competence. It requires self-awareness,humility, genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn. I should have the ability to understand that my lived experiences may have shaped my unique outlook, but it is not the only valid one. When a confusing, unfamiliar or counterintuitive communication style or opinion is presented, I practise to pause an inclusive mindset before jumping to judgement. For example some individuals and cultures value direct, explicit communication and perceive it as a sign of honesty and efficiency. Others prefer in-direct, high-content communication upholding subtlety, relational care and harmony. I will ask myself what can I learn from this perspective and how can we meet in the middle or compromise? Instead of frustrating and asking why they are doing it that way.

High-emotional intelligence and the ability to sit with uncertainty, avoiding rushing into premature conclusions when things are clear cut to ease navigation of the dynamics at hand.

What is a practical step we can all take in our daily interactions to foster open curiosity and mutual learning?  How do you as an individual keep your biases and subconscious assumptions when collaborating with people whose life experiences are significantly different from yours?