How can you learn to be sensitive to other cultures?

I love learning about other cultures by getting to know people on a personal level. Engaging in activities such as sports, concerts, or any other shared interests can provide a wealth of information about how others behave in their everyday lives. You can organize a movie night to watch a film together and then discuss it. Many of them are based on stereotypes, and it can be hard to know how the reality is. For example, my French friends often get asked about the show “Emily in Paris,” and how similar it is to their daily lives. So, if you see a stereotypical image of some nationality just ask them about it.

The best way to learn about other cultures is through immersion in that particular culture. Of course, not everyone can be that lucky but, if possible hands-on experience is always the most effective. When we live in a particular culture we first experience the surface culture - sights, smells, taste, noise, etc. (local food, language, music, fashion/style, architecture). When we have been living in that culture longer we experience the shallow culture- the unspoken rules such as non-verbal communication, concepts of time, and personal space to name just a few. Finally, if we have the chance to live in the culture we will experience its deep culture: the collective unconscious and the norms and values.

The key to all communication is empathy and information. These two concepts are what all communication is built upon. All effective communication operates under the assumption that both parties have information that must be exchanged. Upon this foundational assumption empathy is the tool humans must use to exchange that information accurately. This tool empowers both parties to present their information in a fashion they believe the recipient will most fully understand it. Cross cultural communication then requires that both parties obtain additional information about the recipient and oneself so that the tool of empathy is not confused by a lack of shared experience on both sides of the interaction.

The first step toward cultural sensitivity is immersing yourself in learning. Infosys has long invested in cultural training programs for its employees who work on international projects. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has exchange programs that allow employees to work in different countries, providing hands-on experience in understanding diverse cultures. Such experiences not only build empathy but also reduce the chances of cultural faux pas. According to a Harvard Business Review study, companies with a strong focus on cross-cultural training saw a 30% increase in employee effectiveness in global roles.

I believe that learning about other cultures is effective when I show a genuine interest in other cultures, have an open minded learning attitude, and go from multi- to intercultural learning, and where possible towards intracultural learning.

Cultures that are used to direct communication can have a hard time listening to and understanding the indirect cues of another culture. For example, I once worked on a project with a team from Japan, where messages tend to be expressed very indirectly. The project was successful, so at the end I expressed what I thought was a polite "I hope we get to work together again." The Japanese team was not so sure. "I am afraid the honor would be too much for us," was the response. In other words, no. Americans have their own version of the indirect approach - the "hamburger method", with bad news sandwiched between two layers of fluffy good news. This confuses the more direct Danes. "What was the real message here?" they sometimes ask me.

Listening is more than just hearing words; it’s about understanding context and emotions. Mahindra Group has been known to incorporate active listening in its leadership training, emphasizing the importance of understanding both verbal and non-verbal cues when engaging with partners across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In India, where respect for elders and hierarchy is deeply embedded, multinational corporations like IBM India train their teams to understand and respect these cultural norms, ensuring smoother communication and collaboration. Forbes Insights reports that 67% of senior executives consider effective cross-cultural communication to be essential for their organization's success.

To be sensitive to other cultures, start by being eager to learn from others and their perspectives. Active and respectful listening is essential: pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, ask open-ended questions to get more insights, and summarize their main points to confirm understanding. Show respect with appropriate titles, greetings, and gestures. Keen observation and soaking in information are vital. Begin with the understanding that people have more in common than differences, which helps build mutual understanding and respect. This approach opens pathways to truly grasp the richness of other cultures.

Practice mindful listening in cross-cultural interactions: focus on truly hearing and understanding when interacting with individuals from different cultures. This means paying close attention to their words and non-verbal cues like tone, expression, and body language. Avoid interrupting, and ensure you give them the space to express their thoughts and feelings fully. Ask thoughtful questions to clarify your understanding and show genuine interest in their perspectives. Active and respectful listening demonstrates that you value their experiences and viewpoints, fostering a deeper connection and understanding across cultural divides.

Questioning for Clarity Develop the habit of asking open-ended questions that encourage the speaker to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings. This not only shows that you are listening but also that you are interested in understanding their perspective more deeply. Examples of open-ended questions include "Can you tell me more about that?" or "How did that experience make you feel?"

"Biases" is a rather negative way of referring to someone's cultural background and expectations; these are usually neither good nor bad, they simply "are." In Denmark, where I live, the expectation is that the more equal people are, the better. Therefore, people who hold a superior position in a business context will go out of their way to appear as humble and indirect when it comes to giving orders as possible - although they are, in fact, still orders. A Danish manager (they don't like the word "boss") might say to her team member, "It might be a good idea to get this done by Friday." She means she *wants it done* by Friday. But an international team member might not understand that. A clarifying follow-up question is a good idea.

Recognizing and managing biases is critical in fostering cultural sensitivity. Hindustan Unilever implements unconscious bias training across its workforce, helping employees recognize their inherent biases and learn strategies to overcome them. This has been particularly important in ensuring their marketing messages resonate positively across India’s diverse cultural landscape. Wipro encourages its leaders to reflect on their personal biases through structured self-assessment exercises. By doing so, they foster an environment where diversity of thought and culture is not only accepted but celebrated. A McKinsey report found that teams aware of their biases made better decisions 87% of the time, particularly in multicultural environments.

We all have biases because we have brains - when we become aware of them, we can start to question them and change them. Being exposed to various cultures helps us grow, learn, and become more aware and open. Admitting what we don't know can be powerful, and humbling.

In my experience learning to be sensitive to other cultures is an ongoing process. We all have cultural biases, even if we are not aware of them. It takes time and effort, to address them but it is worth it because it is important to be aware of your own cultural biases so that you can avoid projecting them onto others. When we are sensitive to other cultures, we are able to build stronger relationships with people from different backgrounds. We are also able to appreciate the diversity of the world around us.

One thing that I've suggested and it was successful was to start maintaining a journal where to reflect on daily interactions and thoughts related to different cultures. Use this journal to note any moments you recognize a bias in your thinking or behavior. This could be as simple as a stereotypical thought that crossed your mind or a moment where you felt uncomfortable due to a cultural difference. Regularly review your entries to identify patterns in your biases and challenge them. This reflective practice makes you more aware of your unconscious biases and helps you gradually unlearn them.

Adapting is the most important part, but you must also have empathy. If you adapt just to adapt & get what you need, people will be able to tell. You need to understand WHY you are adapting. And you need to honestly care about bridging differences.

Show respect and tolerance for the new culture, without imposing or comparing with your own. Also talk to people in your industry who live within that culture. Ask what they read, how they communicate, and ask for feedback on your communication style.

Observe and listen first. We can learn a lot from just observing others and listening to them. By being aware of cultural differences and similarities it is also easier to adapt. Another tip is to have a trusted local who can provide insight as to what is typical and how we can communicate with more ease. Asking for help, being honest and transparent that we do not know everything, and being able to admit mistakes when we make them are also helpful.

Adapting one's communication style is a valuable skill emphasized by the Erasmus+ program. Recognizing the diversity of backgrounds, languages, and communication norms among participants, individuals can adjust their communication approaches to foster effective understanding and collaboration. By being flexible, empathetic, and culturally sensitive in communication, participants can bridge linguistic and cultural barriers, promote mutual respect, and cultivate meaningful connections that enrich their personal and professional experiences within the Erasmus+ community.

Actively seek or create collaboration opportunities involving team members from different cultural backgrounds. This could be in the form of work projects, community initiatives, or even social activities. Focus on finding common goals or interests that bind the group together and use these as a foundation to build mutual understanding and respect. Through such collaborative efforts, you gain firsthand experience in working with diverse cultures and learn to appreciate the unique perspectives and strengths that each culture brings to the table. This experience of finding and working on shared objectives can significantly enhance your cultural sensitivity and interpersonal skills.

Seeking common ground and fostering collaboration are core principles of the Erasmus+ program. By identifying shared goals, values, and interests, participants can cultivate a sense of unity and purpose, laying the groundwork for meaningful cooperation and mutual understanding. Through collaborative efforts, individuals can leverage diverse perspectives, skills, and resources to address common challenges, promote innovation, and create positive change in their communities and beyond. Collaboration within the Erasmus+ framework not only strengthens relationships but also amplifies the impact of collective action, contributing to the advancement of education, culture, and social inclusion on a global scale.

Create a team charter that takes into account cultural differences. Add things like the team's preferred way of communicating, building relationships, running meetings, etc. This also helps to create a culture of inclusion among the team & at the organization.

To further enhance your CQ and your sensitivity to other cultures, it's essential to immerse yourself in local communities abroad. This goes beyond mere tourist activities and involves genuine interactions with the locals. Once you arrive at your destination, make a conscious effort to engage with the locals as much as possible. Choose family-owned hotels and local eateries. Hire local guides and request them to take you to off-the-beaten-path locations, authentic restaurants, and charming cafes. This approach will enable you to gain a profound understanding of the local culture and provide invaluable insights into how residents perceive the world, ranging from economic perspectives to interpersonal relationships.

It's impossible to see yourself through other people's eyes, so the best thing to do is ask for feedback on your communication style after having worked with your cross-cultural colleagues for a month or so. (I find an informal, one-on-one feedback session works best.) What you think is your communication strength may actually be perceived as a weakness. For example, Americans working in Denmark often bring along their high-energy, super-positive communication style - they see this enthusiasm and optimism as a strength. Danes, by contrast, can find all this energy overwhelming, and are often turned off by the compliments and cheerleading that Americans think make for a good manager or colleague. Find out what works for you and the team.

Continuing to learn and improve is a fundamental ethos of the Erasmus+ program. Participants are encouraged to embrace lifelong learning, personal development, and self-reflection as pathways to growth and excellence. By staying open to new experiences, feedback, and challenges, individuals can expand their knowledge, skills, and perspectives, enriching their personal and professional journeys. The Erasmus+ community values continuous improvement as a catalyst for innovation, creativity, and positive change, empowering individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape while making meaningful contributions to society.

When working cross-culturally, old technology often works better than new technology. The amount of cultural misunderstandings perpetrated via Slack or other instant messaging channels could fill a book. People are in a hurry, they often have a deadline, and at least one participant is usually writing in a language that isn't their native tongue. Disaster can result. The telephone often works better, in particular if you're trying to get someone to perform a task they're not enthusiastic about. They can hear your voice, know you're a human, and you can hear theirs. This is true even if you're working in different time zones. Getting up super-early one day or making a call right before bed another day to speak directly can pay dividends.

Find a cultural mentor or advisor: Identify someone within your network or community who has extensive experience and understanding of different cultures, and seek them out as a mentor or advisor. This could be a colleague from a diverse cultural background, a community leader, or a professional in cross-cultural communications. Regularly engage with them to gain insights, ask questions, and seek advice on how to navigate cultural nuances. Their guidance can provide you with practical, real-world perspectives and strategies for improving your cultural sensitivity and understanding. This mentorship relationship is a powerful tool for ongoing learning and personal growth in cross-cultural interactions.

You first need to have empathy. If you don't have this, then the rest is just performative. Assume positive intent and be open to the fact that your way is not he right way.

Communicating across cultural differences can be challenging, with many pitfalls. Good intentions alone aren't enough to ensure success. One common mistake is assuming similarity just because we’re speaking to another human. While as humans we do share basic needs and emotions, we don’t express or perceive them the same way. That is because our cultural upbringing greatly affects how and when emotions are displayed or suppressed. For instance, in the U.S., smiling at someone when passing by is friendly, but in Japan, it may be seen as impolite. Assuming such behaviors have universal meanings can lead to misunderstandings.