How can you address power imbalances in communication with clients from diverse backgrounds?

I agree it’s important to consider ways your experience differs from the person with whom you’re working, referred here as a power imbalance, but in my mind more accurately portrayed simply as experience contrast. “Power” is a word that needs to be carefully used. At any rate, for example, although I have lived outside of the United States for more than 15 years, I am an American by birth, and that birthright in of itself, when I am working with international clients, can put them in a different frame of mind about where I am coming from. So I share as part of my introduction that the communication strategies I will be helping them develop are global standards and not an American way! A good defense is a good offense.

I saw this topic and it said social work but there is a universality here. Not everyone in social work, psychology or otherwise is an anti-racist, abolitionist, co conspirator or accomplice. I say this to point out that even if some acknowledge a power imbalance, they may not understand the roots of it are tied to systemic racism and how that relates to their position in society. This creates a dynamic in which an acknowledgement can mean very little, if not followed up by the corresponding considerations and actions. There also needs to be the understanding that your acknowledgment does not guarantee the other persons acceptance. In those instances, it is not your job to change their mind, it is your duty to respect it.

"Power Dynamics" play a significant role in all meetings and cannot be avoided. It can start from perceptions as simple as gender and age, something we definitely cannot control. However, the more conscious you are about hiding these details, the more obvious the opponent is of the difference. I invest the first couple of minutes in every meeting establishing a common ground with the person I meet, this helps in neutralizing the differences to a large extent, post which discussions are found to be smooth and less subjective. Always read and know more about the people you meet, knowledge is an important tool!

Following the low profile, and knowledge on cultural norms could be another way to establish working relationship with diverse communities.

For example, if your client is expected to be discussing potentially revealing or vulnerable issues, make sure and very clearly establish a safe space by saying so. “This is a safe space.” And say it a number of times in different ways. Don’t say it only one moment and then forget to remind about it later on. People often don’t hear something the first time and in only one way. So use repetition, compassion, and variations to help better connect .

If you really want to understand about how to sit and reflect or communicate effectively, get off here and go look up LaTonya Davis, or Lisa Hurley, Sharon-Hurley Hall, Len Thomas, Kamal Webster, Future Cain, Jamaal Marshall, Cherita Washington and so many others. Relying on an article created by an ai in which people can get top voice badges by responding is by and large not going to provide quality answers. The people I mentioned are the real education.