You’re about to work with people from a different socioeconomic background. What should you keep in mind?

Start with getting excited!! Working with people from different backgrounds builds character, empathy, and breeds innovation - which leads to personal growth and overall fulfillment. I can't imagine being in a space where everyone thought and looked like me and we were all in the same space. I think I would feel stagnant. What I have found, from a very early age is that working with people from different socio-economic backgrounds provided visibility and access both ways. It is a win-win. I've had people tell me that they were intimidated and uncomfortable in these situations. But once they leaned in, listened, learned - it was one of the most impactful environments they'd been in - and they never wanted to change it. #PrioritizeHumanity

Retain humility. Listen. Learn. Working with diverse groups is something that I have done my entire career. Whether it is socio-economic, religion, race, class, gender, or one of the many other types, diversity is a vital part of society that can and should provide resilience and strength. Most species on our planet rely on genetic diversity to ensure their long-term survival. Humanity is no different. We tend to be scared of those things we do not understand, but there is great joy in allowing yourself to see diversity as an opportunity to learn and expand your own perspective. In today's climate, the divide between political and economic worlds grows. We could use more people who are willing to bridge the gap.

Lead with openness and curiosity. Understand there are thousands of ideas based on lived experience. While you might come from a similar socioeconomic background, it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have the same ideas. Learn to listen without assuming.

Working with people from different socioeconomic backgrounds requires cultural sensitivity, empathy, and open-mindedness. Here are two ideas I have for this: 1. Be respectful: Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Avoid making assumptions or passing judgment based on financial circumstances. 2. Be flexible or build flexibility into your project: Understand that individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds may have varying life priorities and constraints. Be flexible in accommodating different needs and circumstances when possible.

Nuances, always look for nuances. The binary approach of Right vs Wrong, Yes vs No, excludes most folks who are different from you. The experiences that come from being different sometimes color a situation or an outcome that doesn’t always fit in a box of ‘Right’ or ‘Wrong’

Recognize that even reliable research may not be relevant to every person. Avoid making assumptions based on your research. The best way to learn about people you work with is getting to know them. Find a way to connect that works for them and make a genuine effort to do it. Keep in mind some people don’t consider themselves “different” based on their economic, social, cultural, and historical context. They may not feel comfortable talking about themselves, relating to these topics. So don’t make your interactions about this or about learning about this. It’s really just getting to know the people you work with. When you make a genuine connection you will learn what is ok to say, do and not say, do. In general, treat people like people

It’s easy to make assumptions about what aspects of people’s backgrounds mean to them. Instead of falling into this trap, use broaching, a set of skills to raise sensitive topics, to ask them directly. Some people feel nervous to raise sensitive topics and worry that doing so will be offensive. You can avoid this by asking questions that are free of assumptions or bias. “What, if anything, is important for me to know about your economic background?” With direct information obtained through broaching, you can avoid making assumptions and generalizations about the people you’re working with.

Be curious for their sake, not your own. The moment we act on assumptions we remove opportunities to learn. If we stop at identifying our own view and assume we understand someone else’s, we are holding ourselves back from real connections. No one is a token representation of any dissection of their background and experiences. So remember the decency of curiosity on their behalf.

One of the most important aspects of this is not to mention nationalities, don’t refer to people as culture or roots, respect them as colleagues make them feel included. Treat everyone with respect no matter where they come from. Ask questions about who they are as a a person and make sure everyone respects each other. I work in a company with 160 different nationalities and the best thing to do is be genuine and helpful. Bringing up differences only leads to misunderstandings.

Don't ask where they're from. If it matters to share, they'll share it, but they don't have to, and neither do you. If you want to learn about a different community, listen to voices from that community - and not just those that confirm your own ideas or biases.

Keep ever present the golden rule of humanity: Treat others as you wish to be treated. Peoples' diverse backgrounds may impact how THEY feel and how THEY work and move, but it doesn't have to impact how you conduct yourself around them. Listen for opportunities to connect, to teach and to learn.

Be okay with silence. It may be tempting to joke around or insert commentary to fill space. In my experience this is when communication goes off the rails. When uncomfortable or anxious speaking before thinking is more likely. Remember silence is golden and it’s okay if you do more listening than talking and that is not your norm. Be engaged.

Always ask what people need from you over making assumptions. Make sure your terminology is right and seek to understand before you interject.

Effective communication has little relation to socioeconomic backgrounds. Implicit biases often lead us to engage based on preconceptions. In my work, I've learned that learning to communicate effectively requires letting the other person guide the interaction. Regardless of prior perceptions, allow them to set the terms. Communication hinges on engaging, listening, and responding according to their preferred learning and communication styles. It's about treating people as they wish to be treated, extending beyond the golden rule. Treating people as they want to be treated extends the opportunity of trusting one another to openly and willing communicate broadly and confidently.

When collaborating with individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, it's crucial to acknowledge the limitations of our own experiences and understanding. Recognizing that our perspectives may be shaped by our unique socioeconomic contexts helps foster empathy and openness to different viewpoints. One important approach is to proactively invite the other person to correct us and point out anything they may find uncomfortable during our conversations. This creates a safe space for open dialogue and encourages mutual respect. By inviting feedback and being receptive to constructive criticism, we demonstrate a willingness to learn and bridge the gaps in our understanding.

You also need to lean into your empathy. It’s not just about “adapting to the situation”. People from different backgrounds are not “situations”. What we all bring into an organisation is different and unique to the next person and it should be celebrated as such. “You may need to change your dress code”??? We’re not living in the dark ages.. Working styles may need to be more flexible but that’s part of working with various people.

Honestly people are still people and treating someone as a different type of human being because they didn’t have the socioeconomic background or benefits you may have had is demeaning in a sense. Try treating people as individuals and get to know them and not judge them with preconceived notions based on what you may have read about people from certain cultures.

This is the best time to learn to allow folks to be an ‘addition’ to your team instead of a ‘fit in’. Expand your view and embrace the discomfort that comes with it.

Be an active listener. Listen to understand rathervthan to fix or conclude. Keep in mind their reality may not match yours so suspend judgement. Take the time you need to explore and understand

We should be embracing differences, be flexible and have an open mind. You will be surprise how ,much you can learn by having a open dialogue with people to better understand them.

Building trust and rapport takes time and effort. It also means there has to be a certain degree of selflessness involved. There is no ‘what’s in it for me’ at that point. If you have the advantage in the relationship then the onus falls on you to utilize that privilege to bridge that gap of trust.

To build trust and rapport, commit to truly listening to the the other person. Don't assume you know or understand their experience until you listen and ask questions. Be humble and genuine.

1. Keep an open mind about their culture. 2. Do not be judgemental. 3. Have deep emotional intelligence. 4. Ask questions but be sensitive. 5. Be warm and cordial.

As said by my friend @Oyeyinka Oyekan, having deep emotional intelligence can not be overemphasized. Also, it's important to show grace and keep an open mind. On a final note, document as much as possible to help keep any grey areas at bay.

The first thing to consider and realize is that we are humans first. Start there. People that are not of European descent are often dehumanized and adultified which leads to disrespect, stereotyping, and prejudicial behavior. It’s not about being color blind. It’s not about assuming that they have no similar experiences as you. It’s about seeing them as human first and treating them as such. If you have questions ask. Be respectful and accountable for yourself and your behavior if the person in question shares that something is offensive. So many people are afraid of making mistakes that they’re missing out on the Amazingness that is a diverse friend group. You only make mistakes if you’re trying. So try.

If you’re a manager and someone “from a different socioeconomic background from you” has gotten to your desk, rather than assuming they know less because of a potentially less advantageous or less traditional background; go the other way with it. Consider how much harder that person may have had to work to get there. Consider how good at their role they must be to be standing in front of you and rather than letting differences bring discomfort and distrust, empower them with the tools they need to grow and thrive. Because those folks are great and adaptable team members.

The second that you've said the words socio-economic background you've already lost. We as human beings have done a good enough job establishing people as "others" to not need to worry about how deep your legacy wealth goes. Ask yourself this have you ever had to prioritize rent and groceries before? If the answer is yes you're allowed to speak on the subject with authority if no you should check your privilege at the door and keep your mouth shut.

Everyone’s lived experience is not yours so be open and understanding. Students coming from all backgrounds are hitting the ground running with all types of baggage.

Every one is unique so Never assume anything People have triggers that may seem strange Communication styles will differ and manners are not always available - tolerance is required otherwise communication shuts down entirely and causes schisms Value systems won’t necessarily all align what one is intolerant to another may readily accept Being a professional is always a good focus It’s not because they hate you but You might be watched closer or influence them in a competitive way especially if your different and stand out from what they are used to How they manoeuvre life will be a different angle than how you manoeuvre life but that’s no bodies fault and usually circumstantial