How to Have Culturally Sensitive Conversations
Copyright © 2020 by Ty Howard. All rights reserved.
In the wake of the current protests, civil unrest, systemic racism, repeated injustice against African Americans, and the COVID-19 pandemic — now, more than ever, we all must learn and embrace effective ways to have culturally sensitive conversations.
Effective communication is essential in any culture, relationship, business, job, learning environment, or community. Equally important is the need to embrace and grow our understanding, awareness, and cultural competence daily.
For most people, to think about or have a conversation with another person about a culture outside of their own causes anxiety or deep feelings of being uncomfortable and uncertain on how to start and have a smooth – non-threatening – culturally sensitive conversation.
Are you unsure about what steps to take to have a culturally sensitive conversation with anyone? Do not worry. You are not alone. Start by talking openly, honestly, and caringly. And know that it is completely okay to be UNCOMFORTABLE.
Let’s All Get — UNCOMFORTABLE! Let’s learn, practice, and teach the following steps and strategies daily for having successful culturally sensitive conversations:
Unleash a growth mindset that welcomes diversity and inclusion on all levels.
Never allow your toxic emotions, thoughts or triggers to emerge during the conversation.
Communicate clearly and concisely with good, genuine, and accepting intentions.
Organize your thoughts, be mindful, and speak with attentive care.
Maintain a calm and kind vocal tone.
Feel the conversation while respecting, understanding, and accepting differences.
Omit all sarcasm, judgment, assumptions, or microaggressions.
React and respond with empathy, sensitivity, mindfulness, and productive engagement.
Tell, teach, and educate others – in positive ways – about your or another person’s culture.
Acknowledge your discomfort and transparently communicate it to the other person.
Be committed and willing to learn outside of your culture, perspective, experiences, and comfort zone.
Listen with your whole body, and if you do not know or understand — appropriately ask.
Encourage healthy dialogue, sharing, and feedback throughout the conversation.
Open, download, and print your free copy of Ty Howard’s nicely done one-page poster of the above strategies to practice when having a culturally sensitive conversation – Click Here.
If your organization or leadership team needs help fostering a healthy diverse and inclusive culture, consider bringing in a proven organizational and professional development consultant like me for in-house training and leadership development and coaching.
For detailed information on Ty Howard’s virtual Diversity and Inclusion training programs and keynote presentations – Click Here.
Hi! Is it difficult or easy for you to have a culturally sensitive conversation with someone different from your own culture? If no, what’s one effective strategy you use when having a culturally sensitive conversation? Please feel free to share your experience and input by commenting below. Thank you in advance for sharing.
About the Author: Ty Howard, Mr. Untie the Knots®,
Freeing Maximal Business, Performance & Human Potential Daily!
Ty Howard is an internationally recognized authority on organizational and managerial practices that optimize employee performance and success. He is the creator and lead facilitator of the trademarked “Untie the Knots®” Optimal Performance Process, and the author of Untie the Knots®: Improving Habits, Choices, People, Relationships, Performance and Results, as well as dozens of published articles on employee and organizational performance and development worldwide. For information on his programs and services, visit: http://www.tyhoward.com.
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