Global Cultural Awareness

Key Learning Points

DON’T: Assume you know everything
INSTEAD: Research and ask questions
DON’T: Stare or be insensitive
INSTEAD: Respect differences
DON’T: Be inappropriate or dismissive
INSTEAD: Observe and follow local customs
DON’T: Insist your ways are best
INSTEAD: Learn from other cultures

Synopsis

Barney disrupts a cultural awareness session Serena is trying to facilitate.

Serena is horrified when she arrives for a cultural awareness meeting and sees everyone wearing fancy dress costumes. She explains that depending on where a person comes from, an outfit worn in jest can cause offence. Sam confesses that he hadn't taken the time to understand his Latin-American customers. What may be acceptable in some cultures is considered bad manners elsewhere. In some cultures, it’s not good to bring up certain topics or speak about religion. Serena advocates the importance of doing further research, and not being insensitive or outspoken about other people’s customs. Dion seeks tips from Tammy when doing business in China. Sam notes that even in places where the same language is spoken, idioms may vary causing further misunderstanding. Indulging one’s own cultural practices may prove unacceptable elsewhere; Steve’s rule of thumb is: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Cutting Edge Communication training videos are designed to provoke discussion and response. Contemporary, fast paced, short, character driven, sitcom-style comedies, these courses take an innovative approach to reaching today's learners. Through laughter, discussion and reaction, we can all develop a more transparent and shared vision of how we wish to behave, how we manage ourselves, and how we cooperate with others.

While some find them insensitive or even outrageous, the vast majority of viewers and participants have found them to be refreshing, stimulating and ideal for injecting energy and enthusiasm back into learning.

For information on other titles in the Cutting Edge Communication Series, please CLICK HERE.

Languages Available (sold separately): English

A 7 Dimensions release