A typical workplace is comprised of individuals whose diverse backgrounds, personalities, and cultural beliefs all contribute something of value to the organization at large. While many of these differences can strengthen the products or services an organization has to offer, others can create significant barriers if they're not properly addressed. For example, as a health care manager, you will regularly engage with patients, family members, coworkers, and other professionals whose cultural backgrounds may differ from your own. Aside from any language barriers that may exist, to be an effective communicator, you mustdearn to create a cultural bridge$-$one that will help you understand the nature of your differences and how to move beyond stereotypes.

Identify an example of a time when you worked with someone and you had to communicate across cultures. Perhaps you collaborated with a colleague on a project, worked on a group assignment with a classmate, or volunteered in your community with your neighbors.

$-$What is the example you identified?

$-$What are some challenges you faced communicating across cultures in this situation?

$-$What benefits might you see in successfully communicating with the person in the example?

Which principles of cross$-$cultural communication did you need to consider then that you know now, given what you're learning this week?

$-$What might you do differently the next time you encounter a cross$-$cultural communication situation?