Cultural sensitivity

Cultural differences manifest in multiple dimensions: communication (direct vs. indirect), decision-making (consensus vs. hierarchical), time management (linear vs. flexible), and feedback styles (explicit vs. implicit). For example, while some cultures value speaking up in meetings as engagement, others prioritize listening and measured responses.

Here are some practices to help building cultural sensitivity:

• Acknowledge your own cultural biases to improve awareness and understanding, like recognizing that you may prefer direct communication, but others might prefer a more indirect approach.
• Learn local greeting customs such as addressing someone by their title in some cultures and ensure you pronounce names correctly in meetings.
• Clearly document communication preferences, like noting if someone prefers emails over calls or if they prefer brief updates instead of lengthy reports.
• Always verify understanding when language barriers might cause confusion, for example, by asking clarifying questions or paraphrasing to ensure mutual understanding.
• Respect different cultural approaches to time management, such as understanding that some cultures may prioritize flexibility over strict adherence to deadlines.
• Consider cultural holidays when planning project timelines, for instance, scheduling around major holidays like Diwali or St. Patrick's Day to avoid delays.