Dos

• Be open and meet people as individuals.
• Be self-aware and conscious of your own behaviour, communication style, etc. This is the first step in developing intercultural competence.
• Lead by example and embrace diversity and inclusion. Do your best to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion into into every part of your work/team/organization.
• Show an interest in people and their viewpoints. This will lessen the chances of misunderstanding and widen your horizon.
• Confront your own stereotypes and biases.
• Be aware in your actions, avoid letting your cultural autopilot take over.
• Be open to continuous learning and self-development.
• Be conscious of your body language and consider non-verbal dimensions of communication (expressions, posture, etc.)
• Be flexible and able to adjust your behaviour, language, etc. according to the context.
• Be sensitive and smart about using humour.

Don’ts

• Don’t compare individuals to national cultures, or assume that everyone behaves like the stereotype of their culture.
• Don’t be afraid of misunderstandings or even conflict, they are a normal part of human interaction. You can always explain your views and ask about theirs.
• Don’t rush to learn, take time and enjoy gaining new skills and knowledge.
• Don’t rush processes, for example a new employee’s onboarding. All humans thrive on good relationships and a sense of belonging, and they take time to build.
• Don’t assume the worst. In conflict or challenging situations, remember that most of us do not intent to be difficult or make life harder on purpose. Assume that everyone has positive intentions.
• Don’t take understanding for granted or assume anything, rather clarify.