Zap the Cultural Gaps with EI

By Maria Elena Duron

Multicultural Networking Editor

Managing emotions is a crucial competence for effectiveness in a world of differences. Different cultures respond differently to emotional displays, the ability to respond in an emotionally appropriate manner becomes an even more valuable asset for the global executive. Given the complex multicultural world in which we live and work, using emotional intelligence to understand cultural differences is a required competence. Emotional intelligence is great for building both productive relationships and interpersonal effectiveness. It is based on the premise that understanding other cultures is a pragmatic strategy, as well as a rich, rewarding approach to life.

I would like to share to you four practical tips to help you zap the cultural gaps through emotional intelligence. These four tips aim to guide and help you develop the critical skills that make up this competence.

Understanding Cultural Whys Behind a Behavior

Let me give you an example to explain this. During my last visit to the Philippines, I noticed that whenever I go to any establishment, whether high- or low-end, people would always call me “Ma’am” and my husband, “Sir.” It’s somehow annoying when I hear them say, “Let me repeat your order, Ma’am.” or “Is there anything else, Ma’am?” all the time! In the US, we usually hear “Ma’am” and “Sir” from those in the military. Although it was a bit irritating to hear (since I never attended a military school), I couldn’t just express my annoyance. I researched on it, and I found that “Filipinos are careful to show respect to those of superior status (due to age, education, organizational rank, perceived wealth, etc.). For instance, when speaking (in Tagalog-Pilipino) to an elder, a social superior, or a stranger, a person inserts the particle po or ho ("Sir" or "Ma'am") into almost every sentence.” (EveryCulture.com) I then understood that the waitress wasn’t really trying to annoy me; instead, she’s just showing respect.

This is a very simple example. However, it is very common to be misunderstood or to misunderstand people because of our cultural differences. They key is to hold on to your emotions first and try to get to the bottom of the behavior. Asking why wouldn’t hurt. Instead, it will help you understand why people do the things they do. It also helps you avoid any unnecessary conflicts.

Seeing the Benefits and Limitations of Cultural Norms

Remember the word “norms”? Merriam-Webster defines it as “a principle of right action binding upon the members of a group and serving to guide, control, or regulate proper and acceptable behavior.” When we understand the reason behind a person’s actions, it opens our eyes to the benefits and limitations of what’s normal for other people. At this point, we’d be able to see what good these norms can do to us and to what extent they are beneficial or harmful. Given the example above, if we try to see the benefits of using “Sir” and “Ma’am” in a business, we can then understand that it may boost sales, because guests may feel respected and valued. However, the limit is overdoing it. It would have been better if they introduced themselves and asked for the guests’ names or how they want to be called. That way, no one gets annoyed, and customers will still feel respected.

Transcending My Own Perspective

In this world, it is not enough that we understand our own feelings. We also need to understand other people’s feelings. That is when empathy comes into play. Aside from understanding the reason, benefits, and limits behind various cultural norms, it is also good if we are able to empathize and walk in other people’s shoes. This includes controlling our urge to judge other cultures as inferior by acknowledging the pros and cons of all cultural norms, yours included. This deeper level of understanding helps you to see through others and get a handle on your own feelings about their behavior.

Creating an Environment That Values Diversity

The first three tips mentioned earlier will not work as effectively if you are the only one doing it. Spread the word, and help your friends and colleagues understand about how EI can help us build stronger working relationships with our peers, bosses, and even clients. An organization comprised of emotionally intelligent people is more likely to succeed than those who do not have the same competencies. Don’t keep the knowledge to yourself - be an advocate of emotional intelligence to help zap the cultural gaps!

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Zap the Cultural Gaps with EI

It’s a Y-ed, Wide World

By Maria Elena Duron

Multicultural Networking Editor

I interviewed Vikki Pusong an avid blogger and bio-chemistry major in Manila, Philippines who I’ve connected with via the online world. I asked her, “does multiculturalism matter to Gen Y?” Vikki’s response was, “No really. Maybe it's because we don't really like to check if someone's Latina or Asian or Caucasian. It's like we're busier with what's happening in our social groups and the causes were into than finding out who's from where and who speaks what. It's like, your cultural background doesn’t really have an impact on what my views or opinions are. And I think most of the people I know are like that, too, even those from different countries and backgrounds.”

Oh yes, the Gen Y-ers or better known as the Millennials have a wide world thanks to social networking. “So what is it like to be a Gen Y-er?” you might ask. Take a peek of what’s happening in the multicultural environment of the Net Generation.

Multitasking made easy. Technology is everywhere and the Milllennials use it all the time like doing homework, finishing a project at work, and building relationships. This generation relies on emails, instant messengers, mobile phones, iPods, and social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. Believe it or not, they can listen to their iPods, reply to text messages and do their homework all at the same time. It seems like there’s no time to waste. They are ever so busy updating their Facebook profiles, uploading pictures in Flickr, posting new articles in their blogs and commenting on their friends’ post. This group is not only interested in playing computer games, they are very knowledgeable in making them, too. Sharing their games and personal information to the world is their thing. Imagine how many people connected to the internet that could see what they like to eat, what saddens them, or what music they rave about. They could easily find people all over the world who share the same interests and be friends with them by just a click of the mouse.

The word “friend” has a new meaning. If you search its meaning in a Merriam-Webster dictionary, you will find that a friend is “one who is attached to another by affection or esteem.” However, for a Gen Y-er, a friend is a contact in Friendster or MySpace. Don’t get me wrong, this generation is still interested in keeping relationships that involve feelings or affection. But we have to take note that they still keep a social network in cyberspace where “friends” is simply a tally of contacts in that certain site. “Friends” are the people who comment on their pictures or blogs or view their public profiles. Aside from social networking sites, they have made friends by playing online games, moderating forums and joining real time online discussions in mIRC or Yahoo! Messenger.

Gender and ethnicity is not a problem. Jeffrey Jensen Arnett Ph.D., authored books and studied about these “emerging adults” for years. He claims that they are more educated as compared to the older generations. The National Center for Education Statistics showed that the number of undergraduates in 2004 reached up to 17.3 million, a number twice as large as what is was in 1970s (8.6 million). Because of their knowledge in using computers and unique ways of making friends through the internet, Dr. Arnett’s studies shows that they have fewer barriers in terms of race and gender. Suddenly, the world has become flat. As long as they share the same and sometimes different views or interests, they can easily form connections with other people. They don’t really mind if the person is a man or a woman, whether they are multilingual or if they belong to a certain ethnic group. Dave Verhaagen, author of the book Parenting the Millennial Generation, mentioned that the Millennials have a potential to be a great generation because they can see other people beyond their age, gender, or ethnicity.

Welcome the new ways to promote social awareness. Social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn have found new ways to involve this group of emerging adults in creating social awareness. There are advocacy groups like “Support a Woman’s Right to Choose” and Pro-Life where members can join and rally support. Being collaborative is actually one of the positive traits of Generation Y. Why do you think MTV’s Anti-AIDS concerts sell like pancakes? It’s because Gen Y-ers think that life is an ongoing collaboration with different people. They just love getting involved, so more and more non-profit organizations take advantage of this opportunity to include them in various causes. This group made volunteering and civil involvement the “it” thing.

Gen-Yers have to go to work, too. I have come across this article in the internet called, “Attention Boomers: Generation Y Expects To Find You In Social Networks.” The author shared about a Talent Management head’s interview with a Gen Y candidate. The interviewer was stunned when the candidate mentioned that he couldn’t find him on the social network, LinkedIn. Obviously, aside from Googling the company name and its people prior to a job interview, the candidate tried to search for the HR Director’s profile in a social network to get to know the interviewer’s personality and see how he can make a connection. As for the working Gen Y-ers, studies show that they love to work with bosses who are fond of teaching new things and providing constant feedback. They enjoy learning in a dynamic and interactive environment.

The Gen Y-ers’ way of building and maintaining relationships has affected schools, jobs, and marketing industries. Also, more and more studies are made about Generation Y. Companies are now interested about their work patterns and how their lifestyle affects their output. Because of this group’s distinct behavior, aside from parents and employers, marketers are also keeping an eye on this new type of consumer. Truly, there’s a lot of potential in their humongous network that knows no boundaries. But the best way to really learn more about them is to join them and see what it’s like to be inside their Y-ed, wide world.

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It’s a Y-ed, Wide World

Diversity NetWorking – Part 2

By Maria Elena Duron, Multicultural Networking Editor Maria's Bio Email article RSS feed Share on facebook

In last month's article, I began an interview with Greg Maes, who manages the small business side of the supply chain for Chevron Global Upstream (a Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Division). I continue my visit with Greg this month as he gives networkers an insight on where we can focus our networking efforts.

Maria Elena: You mentioned that you seek small businesses to mentor through the process and certifications necessary to do business with Chevron and similar companies. Where are some places that we, small business owners, can be and network so that we might connect with you and garner your mentoring assistance?

Click for more...

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Diversity NetWorking – Part 2

Diversity NetWorking

By Maria Elena Duron, Multicultural Networking Editor

NetWorking happens at mixers, seminar and community events. Almost a decade ago, I met the following gentleman because of our involvement in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and of a connection I had with his wife. Meet Greg Maes, Supplier Diversity Small Business Coordinator Supply Chain Management for Chevron Global Upstream (a Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Division Company).

Maria Elena: Thanks for taking the time to meet with me Greg! I know what a hectic travel schedule you keep. You recently won an award, congratulations! What is the official name of the award?

Greg: Corporate Advocate of the Year 2007 for the Women Business Enterprise Alliance. I accepted the award at their annual banquet in Houston, Texas.
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Diversity NetWorking

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Multicultural Business Symposium

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Multicultural Business Symposium