Impactful Inclusion Toolkit

ACTIVITY 44Master Small Talk Across Cultures

“Cultural integration doesn't happen by you boasting about your culture, it happens by you coming forward enthusiastically to learn about another culture.”

—Abhijit Naskar, Mücadele Muhabbet

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Where there is relationship and human connection, there is opportunity for inclusion to thrive. More often than not, relationships begin with small talk—those seemingly meaningless conversations about the weather or last night's game helps us to connect—and authentic connection improves interactions. Everybody engages in small talk. Some of us have mastered it, while others despise it with a passion and prefer that one just get to the point—please! For some it's a common courtesy and helps to avoid awkward and uncomfortable silences at the elevator, watercooler, stock room, or lunch table. Yet, others don't mind the silence as they think small talk is considered a waste of time or gets in the way of meaningful conversation, or they just simply are not good at it and choose to avoid it at all costs. I started my career in an era where small talk was frowned upon by management. If caught engaging in small talk, I was always reprimanded to get back to work. Small talk was the equivalent of wasting time. In some organizations, that belief persists. Whether we realize it or not, the ability to engage in small talk is an essential social skill that can make us feel more secure and connected, especially when we're working remotely. A post by Berrett-Koehler ...