A few months ago I received a call from a dear friend and respected colleague. He told me that he had a client very committed to diversity and inclusion, that hired him once a quarter, every quarter, to design a 2-1/2 hour workshop. He delivered the workshop to a total of 300 employees, so he facilitated it about eight times over. Great client, right? A full week of work every quarter, on an ongoing basis... 

 

He told me about some of the topics he'd covered, and some of the methods he'd used; they were all fantastic. He reported to me that everyone attending would have a really great time. The participants would learn, the evaluations would be excellent, and my friend would get hired back. 

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I have the best job in the world: working with our Cultural Detective authors; I always learn so much! Recently, I had the pleasure of working with our authors on the Cultural Detective: Iceland package; the most recent addition to the CD series. This is a culture I know nothing about, therefore, I had no preconceived notions about how it would be to work with these bright ladies, or what I would learn.  

Fortunately (from my US American point of view), being direct and straightforward is generally considered being honest, and is highly valued in Icelandic culture. When discussing a topic, everybody tends to share ideas (without evaluation) and then the best course of action is chosen. Questions are answered directly, and disagreement usually is not considered a personal attack. To those from a less direct culture, this style of communication may feel rude and blunt, while to Icelanders it's just contributing their ideas. 

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During our monthly webinar, attended by people working in academia, NGOs, private enterprise, and a religious community, and geographically from Russia to Egypt to the USA and quite a few points in between, one of the participants summarized for us what she had learned. Cultural Detective had taught her, she said, "that actions don't 'create' reactions; interpretation of actions creates reactions."

Yes! That is brilliant and powerful learning! And it is crucial to understand this idea if we are to develop intercultural competence. It is a prerequisite to implementing the four steps to a happier life.

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You Only Live Once, a 2011 Zoya Akhtar film, is one of my all-time favourites, which I have seen at least ten times. It is a well-crafted movie that never get bores me. It shows some aspects of Indian culture: marriage and friendship, and at the same time gives a true insight into Spanish culture. I highly recommend it to Cultural Detectives! 

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The Cultural Detective series includes a critical incident entitled, "Danish Cartoon Controversy" (in the Cultural Detective Global Diversity and Inclusion package), about the backlash against cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. We publish it to build understanding of diverse perspectives of the issue and promote meaningful dialogue, healing, and community cohesion.

 

My childhood aspiration was to become a cartoonist. I practiced for years, and even won a few contests. The Charlie Hebdo massacre feels very close to me, despite the ocean separating Mexico and France. I have tremendous respect for all who fight for freedom of speech AND respect for others, as both, together, are key to civil society.

 

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