Impactful Inclusion Toolkit

ACTIVITY 5Experience Other Cultures

“People of different religions and cultures live side by side in almost every part of the world, and most of us have overlapping identities, which unite us with very different groups. We can love what we are, without hating what—and who—we are not. We can thrive in our own tradition, even as we learn from others, and come to respect their teachings.”

—Kofi Annan

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Understanding the unique cultural differences of co-workers can go a long way in creating a welcoming workplace. Things Americans take for granted like the handshake greeting and engaging in eye contact during conversation, for example, may fall outside the tradition of others, and colleagues may come across as standoffish or rude. Shaking with the left hand is considered insulting in the Middle East as the right hand is used for eating while the left hand is reserved for washing after using the bathroom. That said, one must always use their right hand. African Americans are compelled to work longer hours as a means to repudiate stereotypical beliefs of being lazy and staying employed, while for the dominant culture, it's a demonstration of commitment to work and means to advancement. Addressing someone as ma'am or sir demonstrates respect in some cultures and is discouraged in others. By learning and understanding different cultures, we understand why people do things the way they do. The more we know, the better we can connect and communicate. There's no better way to acquire ...