Think about the cultural diversity you see in your colleagues at school, in your neighborhood, in your workplace, and also, possibly, within your family. Consider all the aspects that make up culture, including race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, varying abilities, and so on.
- Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?
- If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?
Based on what you have learned this week, share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified.
If I was to think back to everyone I talked to or encountered
today I would find differenced in the way I communicated with them. I talk differently
to the cashier who is ringing up my purchases compared to a friend I have known
for many years. “Social rules of
interaction provide a predictable pattern or structure to social episodes and
give relationships a sense of coherence. Most of the time, people are not even
consciously aware of the rules that govern a social episode until they are
broken. These rules are connected with social roles; a set of expected behaviors
that is associated with people in a particular position...The role that one
takes in a particular social episode strongly prescribes how we are expected to
act “(Vuckovic, 2008, p. 4-5).
I communicate differently with people I do not know. I am more reserved and
respectful. I am still respectful with people I know but more open and carefree
in my communication.
“Strangers, people different from us, stir up fear, discomfort, suspicion,
and hostility. They make us lose our sense of security just by being ‘other’”. (Beebe, Beebe, & Redmond, 2001,
p. 1). Three strategies to utilize when communicating with others is to remember
that it is important to remember that different is not wrong. That we live in a
diverse world and it is vital to understand our own culture and those around us
to be able to communicate more effectively. The final strategy is to use the Platinum
Rule. “Do to others as they themselves would like to be treated” (Beebe et al., 2001, p. 14). This
means put yourself in their shoes. Do not treat them as you want to be treated,
treat them as they want to be treated.
Brandie
References
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ReplyDeleteBrandie,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! You are right some are not even aware of how social communication works until the rules are broken. Last night was our staff “party for Christmas” December is always too busy for everyone so this year we waited until January. We called and made a reservation for 35 people. We arrived at different times but those who arrived last did not have anywhere to sit because they did not save us 35 seats. They saved us only about 20. My co-worker very calmly said to the waitress “please get your manager and let him know that we are upset and disappointed and not in you dear. This is not your fault” She handled it beautifully. However, I think sometimes when things do not go our way or we are upset is when we see the social rules of communication broken and we forget the Platinum Rule. No matter how we feel it is vital to try and set the stage for god effective communication no matter who it is with.