Globalization, like never before, requires that we embrace a higher level of understanding of each other’s culture and values, regardless of our physical location in the world. As we are getting interconnected with the rest of the planet and aim to thrive socially, economically, intellectually, and professionally, it is more than evident that we need to increase our cultural awareness.
It does not matter how far we are from each other physically, it is in our human nature to have a desire to relate, connect, influence, and transform others.
Is the impact of global communications increasing the desire to extend your borders?
The answer is probably yes; globalization has not only influenced us socially and culturally but it has had an impact on the world economy as well. Business globalization has caused executives around the globe to aspire to become global leaders able to influence people across cultural and national boundaries and excel at global innovation. Many have noticed, and researchers have recognized it: cultural forces influence many aspects of our daily lives.
Thus, cultural awareness is vital to acquire a global perspective. Without a doubt, one of the best skills that all of us need to develop is the ability to interact effectively with many different types of cultural environments.
This cultural understanding increases your cultural intelligence giving you a great advantage on everyday interactions.
Keep in mind that culture is nothing more, nothing less than a group of behaviors that sets apart the members of different groups, such as your family, your neighbors, your friends, organizations that you belong, your country of origin, and so on.
Your culture encompasses, to mention a few:
- Family values
- Beliefs
- Assumptions
- Customs
Nonetheless, your personality, field of expertise, level of experience, cultural heritage, travels, organizations that you belong, among others, are also important elements of your present culture.
But, how can we stand out in the cultural awareness arena?
My recommendation as a starting point is for you to understand more about your own culture so you can have a point of reference.
You can start today with one easy exercise: make a list of all your values, principles or standards of behavior in which you believe and practice on a daily basis. Observed for how long [?] you had to practice those values and why [?] they are important to you. This exercise will reveal a lot about your social, work, and communication style with others.
Question: What additional elements of your daily interactions with others are parts of your present-day culture?