Broadening your cultural awareness & perspectives

“If you understand the underlying causes of why people behave the way they do, you are a little more likely to be able to anticipate how they may react in a variety of situations…” 

Have you ever been abroad and either tipped or not tipped the waiter, then instantly felt like you should have known better? And by better, we mean – you should have done some research before visiting the country? In some cultures, tipping (as an example) is seen as not only polite but commonplace. Whereas this act in other countries or cultures can be seen as rude and offensive. What you may consider normal behaviour, could be determined differently in another country. 

There are over 3,000 documented cultures on this planet. These cultures dictate societies and how a country is run. By recognising how different beliefs shape cultural backgrounds that are different from ones own, we are allowing ourselves to develop successful relationships with multiple cultures and individuals. Once the respect is there, both personal and professional relationships can grow. 

According to BMJ Journals, the demographic that makes up the US population is made up of approximately 29% minorities. This has been predicted to an increase to 50% in the next 30 years. “This creates a highly mobile and constantly changing environment, revealing the need for new levels of cultural awareness and sensitivity.” For businesses to grow and thrive, they must be open to accepting cultural differences and being proactive about educating themselves and their workforce.

Below are some pointers taken from The Etiquette School of New York’s 10-point guide:

  1. Be open to new ideas, new cultures and new ways of doing business
  2. Project global awareness
  3. Avoid cultural misunderstandings
  4. Adopt global conversation skills
  5. Respect the religion, politics, culture and holidays of your host’s country

Activities for you and your team

  • In your next team meeting or all hands. Ask each member of your team to bring one piece of information that isn’t linked to the country they currently work/reside in. This can be in the form of a book, news article, podcast, song etc: Create a space where each member can inform their colleagues on other cultures news that they find interesting. This should ignite conversations and discussions within and outside of the workplace.
  • Re-framing constructive feedback through the lens of bias. Have you ever projected your own assumptions onto a new colleague or team member? If so, were these assumptions correct? Did you feel they limited your judgement on that individual and if so, why?
  • Think about your last 1:1. Do you feel there is a good understanding between you and your manager? Would you feel comfortable asking for support or asking for time off if it was a cultural holiday for you but not for them?

New habits to make a difference

Got a Question?

F.A.Qs

You start with the foundation training which consists of one 30 minute video, followed by 6 bite size videos. You can then do the intermediate training which is made up of 18 bite size videos. Finally, you can do the advanced training which is made up of 8 longer videos.

You can access each module from the homepage via the buttons that say foundation, intermediate and advanced.

No. All our modules are self paced so you can take as long as you like. 

You need to complete each training module and submit your google worksheet which can be found on the individual module page. Once submitted, our team will review your worksheet and issue out a certificate if you have passed. If you have passed, you will receive a graduation pack which contains a certificate, social imagery so you can show off to your colleagues and connections on LinkedIn plus some other goodies.

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You can submit your Google form worksheet via the module page.

No. Only the worksheet is reviewed and marked. 

You can use the cheat sheet to get a better understanding of the different types of biases people face in the workplace, but also IRL.

We will share an overview of how many people have enrolled and completed the course, but we will never share private information such as names, titles or email addresses.

Yes! Each module has its own worksheet which is a Google form. 

We will send you detailed instructions along with suggested social copy and imagery which can be used on LinkedIn and Instagram. This will be sent to you in an email from our team once you have passed the foundation module.

If you fail, you will have the option of submitting your worksheet again until all the answers are correct. Don’t worry, you can take the course again for free and resubmit your worksheets.

 

Please email hello@hustlecrew.co and a member of the team will get back to you within 72 hours.