#TellAllTuesdays: Break My Soul

Welcome to another Tell All Tuesday! This week's topic focuses on ditching the codeswitching!

Growing up in a bilingual household, I often switched between English and Spanish, sometimes within the same sentence. Conversations in my family were a lively mix of laughter and arguments, all happening within minutes. As a native New Yorker whose family has been here for generations, I was surrounded by people who valued directness; “you may not like what I have to say, but it’s the truth,” they would say, always accompanied by expressive hand gestures. This was a communication style I came to love. However, entering the predominantly male and white workforce, I often found myself codeswitching and softening my communication style.

So many folks I engage from amazing organizations, missions, and teams advancing climate equity and affordability are in similar boats as I am. As we work in this space, we navigate the tension between our diverse cultural norms and corporate ideology of communication. We may raise our voices and feel frustrated when no one hears us. This week, we're focusing on strategies to enhance relationship-building and communication tactics that can help bridge gaps, build strong relationships, and create a pathway to foster relationships that support you, your org, and your team.

Be Yourself

• Embrace Your Cultural Identity: Your cultural background is a strength. Your voice has power and can make a lasting impact. Understand and respect cultural differences that may affect communication, including non-verbal cues and etiquette. Authenticity in your communication can inspire and influence others positively.

Prioritize personal and career development.

• Invest in Understanding: Engage with an audience that appreciates who you are and what you do. Building confidence in your communication style helps establish authority and fosters mutual respect. Please be sure to seek out mentors and allies who support your growth.

Storytelling for Impact

• Leveraging Your Experience: Your experience is your superpower. Use storytelling to make your messages more engaging and memorable. Share personal experiences and success stories to connect with your audience emotionally. Use your life experiences as expertise in your sector, crafting your narrative to reflect your business values and mission.

Building Relationships & Networking

• Foster Inclusivity: Effective communication is vital to building strong professional networks to help you in space. Create an environment where you and others can be authentic. Ensure everyone’s voices are heard and valued, especially those often dismissed. Encourage feedback and open dialogue. Practice active listening to promote a supportive communication culture. By being true to yourself, you implicitly give others the space to do the same.
• Strengthen Relationships: Attend industry events, participate in online forums, and engage in community activities to expand your connections. Strengthen relationships with those who share similar experiences and seek out allies who can support you and your organization. Follow up with new contacts and regularly communicate to nurture these relationships.

Handle Difficult Conversations with Grace

• Approach with Empathy: Tackle challenging conversations with empathy and a problem-solving mindset. Understand that some people may need to grasp your cultural background fully. Approach these situations openly to find common ground and move forward together. Prepare in advance to remain calm and focused.
• Set Boundaries:? You’re not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s quite all right! Recognize that not everyone will understand you, and that’s okay. Learn to set and communicate your boundaries clearly and respectfully to maintain your integrity and well-being.

Focusing your communication on being true to who you are allows you to be genuine and impactful. By being yourself and being open to the cultures and experiences of others, you can build a more inclusive and effective communication environment. This authenticity fosters mutual respect and understanding, paving the way for personal and professional growth. Embrace your unique voice, and let it shine in every interaction.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences mastering authentic communication in diverse environments. Let’s support each other in building inclusive, impactful, and successful business practices!

#EffectiveCommunication #BIPOCBusinessOwners #InclusiveLeadership #BusinessSuccess #CommunicationSkills #EntrepreneurLife #LeadershipDevelopment #DiversityAndInclusion