Culture

Born in a Central European country to a European mother and an Asian father, moved around as a toddler across countries and continents, growing up in a country where people across provinces speak different languages and dialects and culture may vary even across parts of the same metropolis, worked and lived across continents, countries and cultures. You may ask me which culture do I relate to? Well... my answer is …. To them all! “The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people” and this quote from unknown source speaks to my heart. I am sure that all of you out there who have had the privilege of living across variety of cultures and come up close with different cultures will join me in saying that we wouldn’t have it otherwise.

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It is interesting that the different cultures that I have experienced ?(across continents), while having their differences present plenty of common threads, such as giving respect, valuing family, keeping relationships close to heart, warmth, socializing and bonding around food and dining table, strong desire to bring their best and make a difference to community and country, laughing at their own practices and quirks, and the list goes on. My natural tendency wherever I go is to look for common grounds, similarities before logging differences. It helps me see the goodness and appreciate the differences. To me it is our commonality that helps feel included and the difference that make it exciting. ??

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Culture (also coined as software of the mind), in an organization is always a combination of the culture in the geographical location, the corporate culture being intentionally developed, and the individual nuances brought in by colleagues from around the world who come together in the workspace. The more diverse the workforce, the more diverse and dynamic the culture in the organization. This dynamism and diverse culture form the strength of the organization when managed and embraced with respect and curiosity.? As American Screen write and film director, Robert Alan Arthur said, “Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity”. Exposure to and experiencing different cultures is not only a privilege but also a great way to develop oneself and enhance personal growth.

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This World Day of Culture on 21st May, lets embrace the sense of beauty that diverse cultures provide and even if you are not up for it, I hope you can play by what Cesar Chavez, American Civil Rights Activist said, “Preservation of one’s own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures”.

#culture #WorldDayofCulture #DiversityEquityInclusion #Inclusiveculture #Respect