subject: How to Communicate Effectively In a Diverse Culture Workplace [print this page] How to Communicate Effectively In a Diverse Culture Workplace
It also allows the organization to expand broad enough to survive in current multinational world. However, diversity can be a disaster if the relationship among people in the workforce is not managed well. When people with diverse background work together, it tends to create a lot of conflicts. Thus, mastering the skills to communicate with diverse culture audience is very important.
The first step to communicate effectively with diverse audience is to respect other cultures. Do not assume that everyone is just the same like you or wants to be like you. Understand everyone thinks differently, and thus, act differently. Respect the way others respond to different challenges is a way to value diversity. In fact, if you respect others in the first place, they will respect you in return. This helps to avoid conflict when things are handled in a way that contradicts with each other culture.
Second step is to invite and use feedback. Asking simple question to obtain feedback is a critical element in effective communication with diverse culture audience. If others tend to reject or feel insecure towards your opinions, try to ask question such as What is your point of view in this case? This helps the passive listener to open their mind to you. Then, you can adjust the way you deliver information or modify your suggestions to seek a common ground. This makes communication more effective and no ideas or opinions will be wasted.
The third step is to learn more about own culture and other culture. Learning about cultures takes a long time but the result can be very rewarding. For example, learn more about your own culture can help you to identify cultural biases. Then, you can avoid these biases or stereotypes to become more objective and adaptable person. On the other hand, learn more about other cultures can helps you to understand your colleagues better. This is important because it helps to increase team performance and enhance the working experience.
In conclusion, diversity is important because it allows an organization to grow and be able to handle various challenges. However, harmony does not happen automatically. That's why you must learn how to communicate with others from diverse background by using the guidance given above.
