Bridging Borders, Building Bonds: Lessons Learned from Global Collaborations

As we talk more and more about diversity, equity and inclusion, I wanted to share what I have learnt about the world of global collaborations. With the developments in technology and AI now working with folks from different cultures has become a norm, inescapable even and it has been an enriching and sometimes a hilarious experience.

So, what have I learned on this long ride of cross-cultural connections??

1. Respect is fundamental: Each culture has its own set of rules and values. Understanding and appreciating these differences will lay the framework for a friendly and fruitful collaboration.

2. Communication is key, but remember a lot can get lost in translation so be clear, concise, and mindful of potential language barriers. For example: One day amongst friends, one person said that they had tried to contact someone severally. Being the grammar nazi and teacher that I am, I said that the use of “severally” was wrong. And that got us into studying the etymology of the word that Kenyans love to use. Originally “severally” was used to mean “separately or individually; each in turn.” However in African lingo it has come to mean “repeatedly”. We also learnt that the adverb severally isn't used very often in everyday speech — it's much more common in legal documents whereas in the African context you will hear this daily.???

3. Accept a variety of viewpoints: This means being curious and getting out of your comfort zone which can be scary, but that's also where the magic happens. Diverse perspectives foster creative thinking and a deeper comprehension of the world. There’s an African saying that “If you’re filled with pride, you will have no room for wisdom.”

4. Celebrate differences. Don't try to mould everyone into your shape. One of my favourite authors, Chinua Achebe in Things Fall Apart says, “A man who calls his kinsmen to a feast does not do so to save them from starving. They all have food in their own homes. When we gather together in the moonlit village ground, it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.”

5. Humour can bridge any gap, well, almost any: A light moment can go a long way in breaking down barriers and fostering connection but remember to be mindful of cultural sensitivities and avoid anything offensive. A reminder not to take yourself too seriously!

Working across cultures has transformed my perspective on collaborations. The biggest takeaway isn't simply acquiring knowledge about different practices, but developing a heightened sensitivity to my own cultural assumptions. Through collaboration and open communication, I've discovered the importance of adaptability, empathy, and the ever-present need for lifelong learning.