[How does one achieve a mindset to understand . . . ] "The
importance of looking at the world via various socio, cultural, historical, and
political contexts in understanding various perspectives."
This blog will feature questions (ranging from leadership and diversity to culture-specific communication, global team-building, and the nuances of business and social protocol in different countries and cultures) raised by working, adult students in higher education. You are invited to share your insights and perspectives based on your own personal work experiences. See "Welcome . . . more about this blog" for additional information about the blog's history and purpose.
From my personal experience, "seeking to understand" requires a lot of style-switching (based on differences/similarities); however, there are three basic components that have helped me.
ReplyDeleteFirst is to aggressively ask questions, which includes having the courage to ask the hard questions. By aggressively, I do not mean getting in someone's face and being animated, but rather asking open-ended questions, accompanied by asking follow-up questions to get reflective people out of their shells. I think asking questions is somewhat of an art form that I've practiced for many years.
Second, I think that active listening is very important in understanding -- especially for those with difference backgrounds, cultures, etc.
Third, is that seeking to understand requires time and patience. Quickly asking a few questions, then ploughing ahead is not it. Seeking to understand is very time-consuming, which is why it can be difficult for some people, and especially hard when deadlines are looming or there is a lot of stress in the air.
I think learning to become an integrative thinker is helpful. It is not something that is frequently taught, but more so cultivated over time. Integrative thinking allows leaders to consider options that lead to innovation. The process of integrative thinking can be captured in Roger Martin’s steps to thinking and deciding:
ReplyDelete• Salience
• Causality
• Architecture
• Resolution
This process can help to achieve that mindset to look at the world with a different perspective.
I find it helpful when meeting new people to be prepared if possible by doing some cultural due diligence prior to meeting.Also keeping in mind that the norms generalize a population and are not always spot-on to each individual within in it. Then ask questions that lead to open conversation for what perspective(context) the person had of the culture they grew-up in. In addition, be an active listener and if the person is willing to talk about their past do not interrupt.
ReplyDeleteIn order to achieve a mindset that will enable us to understand, we must first appreciate that intercultural work entails ambiguity. That being said, we need the emotional intelligence to develop our social skills and examine the various perspectives that others will have in any number of social and business settings. Being self aware and employing adaptability, as we have seen over the past few weeks, is a successful way to communicate in a global environment.
ReplyDeleteI believe genuine curiosity is important. We must want to be adaptable and truly allow ourselves to be comfortable with uncomfortable conversations. I do agree with the comments above that cultural due diligence is essential. Find out as much as you can about the specific culture and norms that may lead up to a conversation. Be inquisitive but not judgmental and most importantly be an active listener.
ReplyDelete(391-16SP08) In having an open mindset, you must be self-aware. For example, I am American but I my family migrated from another country. Understanding yourself will truly open your mindset. Once you have that understanding, work on cultural due diligence and find out where everyone is you has come from. Ask questions, even if it feels it is not necessary. Listen, always keep your ears open and try to relate the information to your background.
ReplyDeleteI believe the first step in trying to developing the mindset to understand, is to understand that we live in a very complex and global society that has to be sensitive to various perspectives. The first step is to acknowledge that history and humanity hasn't always understood, respected, or valued diversity, and that we can now learn from the experiences of the larger society in being global leaders of leadership. This is a new generation that is saying...never forget..while also saying that we must all challenge ourselves to be self aware, learn if you are unaware, and seek to cross the table of diversity in all forms so that we can be more compassionate human beings and more level 5 leaders who use emotional intelligence at every phase of the organization.
ReplyDeleteI believe we have to do our own research and background to truly understand each different culture of people we work with. Completing that due diligence is key and is needed in order to ensure a successful working relationship with those individuals. The COI website is really good for that because you can view your own culture as well as a side by side comparison of that specific country.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is more about having an open mindset. Having an open mindset leaves you open to new ideas and people. Once you are open to a new idea and you do not jump to an opinion on the subject, you will be more in a more positive position to understand. The key is to also be brave enough to ask when you don’t know.
ReplyDeleteWhat helps me is developing love for traveling and observing people from different cultures.
ReplyDelete