Global Fluency

Building connections and strong relationships is a cornerstone of successful business. Our world is growing bigger and bigger, more diverse, every day. It truly has become a global world. Your willingness and ability to collaborate with individuals of different backgrounds and cultures is very important. That is what global fluency is all about, and it matters. (uplifting music) Number one, perspective. You must keep an open mind and try to see perspectives other than your own. It is up to us to try and understand, not just demand to be understood. Just how what you have experienced has shaped your view, the same may apply to others. You must maintain the perspective that it is a big world and that others may see that world a little differently than you do. Number two, empathy. Empathy can be defined as the ability to identify and understand another person's emotions, the ability to imagine what they may be feeling, almost like putting yourself in someone else's shoes. Another term I like to equate to empathy is compassion. Both are very important qualities to have as you try to connect with individuals of different races, cultures and backgrounds. Number three, curiosity and enthusiasm. It is a general rule of thumb that if you show that you care about someone, there is a better likelihood of you forming a connection with them. It does not take a whole lot of effort to ask a few questions in trying to know someone, and if you can show a little enthusiasm in the process, even better. If you are sincere in your desire to learn about and accept others, it can go a long way. Number four, respect. Cultural differences can go way beyond language barriers. For instance, someone may dress differently from you, eat different things and greet people differently. Do not judge them, accept them. I'm sure you want respect yourself, so you must be willing to give it. In today's world, it's very likely that you're gonna be working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. And certainly, for our office, we look for people that are not only willing to do that, but have a certain skill set in how they relate to others. So, being mindful that not everyone sees the world the same way and that being respectful towards people that are different from you is highly valued in our office. I'd say that's probably true in most places today across the United States, as we become more of a diverse society, you have to be able to have an open mind and to work successfully with people from all kinds of backgrounds. Here are some beneficial experiences to seek out. Number one, study or work abroad for an extended period of time. For example, you could teach English in another country. Number two, travel internationally if possible. While visiting, walk or take public transportation and try local cuisine. Number three, attempt to learn a new language. Number four, take an international studies course. Number five, seek out friends of different backgrounds. Learn about their culture by asking questions and attending cultural gatherings or events. Number six, read the news, and watch movies and television shows from other countries. Diversity is a fact of life. Companies are looking for employees that have the willingness and skills to embrace this global world that we live in. So, keep an open mind, show some enthusiasm and be that person.