| Culture and communication underlies everything. | | | | gestures are okay and not okay? It is okay to |
| Culture consists of the habits, rituals, traditions, | | | | shake hand? Is it okay to look the person straight |
| beliefs and behaviors of each person in your | | | | in the eye? |
| organization. Communication is a process of | | | | 3. Be sensitive to boundaries. What is comfortable |
| interacting and dialoguing with two or more | | | | for each person? How far to stand between each |
| persons, groups and organizations. Cultural | | | | other? |
| competency means being in tune with a person's | | | | 4. Use the person's language when in conversation. |
| cultural background and using language and | | | | This assures them that you are tuned in to his |
| concepts that respects a person's culture when in | | | | her world. |
| conversation. Knowing the cultural beliefs and | | | | 5. Learn a person's traditions and beliefs and |
| being sensitive to each person's background and | | | | incorporate that into the conversations and into |
| life style results in meaningful interaction and | | | | the organizational culture as well, where possible. |
| develops an instant rapport with colleagues. | | | | The importance of culture and communication is |
| How to be culturally sensitive when speaking to | | | | central to any discussion about leadership. Without |
| anyone.l. Check out your own biases, areas where | | | | good communication and cultural sensitivity among |
| you consciously or unconsciously discriminate, | | | | leaders and their members, unintentional mistakes |
| judge, and stereotype others. Notice and put tem | | | | may be made, the proper treatment and respect |
| aside when in conversation. | | | | may not be given, and leader-member trust may |
| 2. Ask questions about what's most important to | | | | not be established. |
| the person you area speaking with. Family, | | | | So if you want to lead with excellence learn what |
| tradition, rules, no rules, work ethics? | | | | it means to be culturally sensitive in your |
| 2. Observe persons non-verbal cues. What | | | | organization. |