Diversity refers to the many ways that we are different as individuals — the characteristics that we are born with, the attributes that we have acquired and our lifestyle preferences. Inclusion allows everyone to feel as though they belong and are accepted and valued. But inclusion requires skill in how employees relate to one another. It involves respectful communication.
The following are key steps in exhibiting respectful communication and cultural sensitivity in the workplace.
- Possess and work on building self-awareness. Examine some of your own pre-conceived notions, biases, lack of knowledge and “in the moment” emotional states. Do not be reactive and act on emotion. Pausing regularly to practice self-awareness can help avoid communication mistakes and appearing insensitive to others.
- Respect boundaries. Think about your relationship with other people. If you do not have a close relationship with those you are communicating with, you could more easily be misunderstood. Keep your communication professional. People may not be interested in opening up about anything that seems personal. Respect your own boundaries also and politely decline proceeding with a dialogue that makes you uncomfortable.
- Seek to understand. To get along with others in any situation do not assume that you understand them and have all the answers. Instead, demonstrate a desire to understand. It is that effort, that empathy, that enhances respect and often connection between people.
- Be sensitive about the language (verbal and non-verbal) that you use. Specific words, phrases and gestures can convey sensitivity or insensitivity to others. When you are unsure about it, do not proceed to use the language in your communication. When you make a mistake, do not get defensive. Even with good intentions, we can use the wrong language. Our language is often shaped by our past. Simply apologize and take a position of wanting to learn from others.
