Isn’t it fake and inauthentic to change how we behave to fit in culturally?

Firstly, you don’t HAVE to change at all if you don’t want to. At a minimum, cultural awareness training at least helps you to more correctly interpret the behaviours and actions of others. You are less likely to misunderstand another or overlook their talents or potential.

Your enhanced understanding of working across cultures also allows OTHERS to be more fully themselves. THEY can be more authentic rather than constantly editing their approach to fit in with a dominant culture.

As for whether or how much YOU change your own approach:

👉 Knowledge and awareness give you the power of CHOICE. You can adapt or not, but at least you will know what kind of impression you are making and whether you are likely to be understood in the way that you would like.

👉 Most people want to be respectful or are invested in an important outcome. If that requires adapting, is that fake? Really, it’s taking charge of how you are received or efficiently focusing on the end result you are trying to create – whether that’s a positive co-working relationship or the successful conclusion of a project.

International perspectives and personalities are enriching. The role of a trainer is to help people to appreciate and maximise that value. It is certainly not our job to ‘make someone British’ or to lose their own cultural identity.

BUT, when helpful, what if you shifted your style by 10%? For example, just a bit more relationship-focused or a little less direct. You can still be YOU. And, if you are never adapting, the chances are that someone else is…

We offer 60-minute ‘Intercultural Highlights’ presentations as well as longer trainings for your team –  use the contact page to get in touch and find out more.