Everyday in my life, I encounter some type of cultural diversity. Whether it is in my diner from my morning guys to my lunch crowd of workers that have 30 minutes to get there lunch in. Or if I am at the school seeing different families interacting before going into volleyball practice coaching 10 different unique female athletes. I feel that the interactions that I have every day, I find myself communicating differently according to the person I am interacting with. My conversations will be different if I am talking to a 65 year old coffee drinking, set in his ways Republican compared to a 14 year old teenage girl about how to serve a volleyball. The ways in which I would talk to men at a coffee table compared to my athletes are different. There is more instruction with my athletes, but while talking to the men drinking coffee, I would consider what they believe in and their backgrounds I would not want to offend them by the things I say.
Especially having a diner in the country, I find that race plays a major role in the culture. We have many people that treat others of different race in our town with disrespect and I encounter this not only at my workplace, but everywhere I go. Three strategies that I could use to help me communicate more effectively is listening to what they believe and ask questions to show that I am interested in learning about their culture and beliefs. Next I would use the Platinum Rule to treat them as they want to be treated. Especially with my athletes, if I as a coach treat them as they want to be treated, they should be giving me the same respect as I would want to be treated. Lastly, I would use my communication skills to show to them that I am interested in their culture. Use good body language and eye contact and be concerned about their cultural diversity.
I like your three stratgies that you suggested. The platinum rule could be difficult though in a diner setting, at least for me. I knwo I would have a hard time being nice to a customer if they began to yell at me about their order being wrong. But your first strategy would be helpful in that situation by repeating everything back that was ordered. Good suggestions.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a lot of interesting interactions with people throughout your day! I think that the strategies you suggested would be appropriate in a diner, school, coaching, or any setting. Treating others keeping the Platinum Rule in mind seems like a universal way to become "other oriented". I'm sure that abiding by that rule will help you gain the admiration and respect from the 14 year olds that you coach.
ReplyDeleteHi, I think it is sad that there is so much cultural disrespect in your community, especially in this day and age. I too am from a small country town and also have witnessed some negative behavior toward people of certain cultures. But I think that it was great that you continue to respect the people you encounter everyday and that you attempted to speak with them in a way you think they would like. Thanks
ReplyDeleteAmber