I had to practice what I preach...
When I was "growing up" as a teacher new to the field, there was an emphasis on cultural competency, which focuses on understanding specific cultures.
While knowing about the communities we serve is essential, over the last five to ten years, the focus has shifted to cultural humility, which emphasizes a process of self-exploration combined with a willingness to learn from others.
Ultimately, the goal is to develop skills for approaching individuals from any culture with the intention of honoring their beliefs, customs, and values. This is easier said than done, and I was personally put to the test when I recently visited a preschool program in Jordan, in the Middle East.
Talk about practicing what you preach!!
As I supported the program in refining its vision, mission, and values, I found myself in a constant state of reflection. I was not just reflecting on my own values and beliefs, but also theirs. This ongoing self-check was crucial to ensure I wasn't imposing my perspectives onto them, but rather, respecting and honoring their unique cultural context.
As I conducted multiple classroom observations, I had to remain open to basic teaching practices being done in very different ways. This was an easy one for me as it's one of the things I love about my job: the ability to share all of the great things I see with everyone I work with.
As I gave recommendations for continued growth, I had to remember that as a consultant, I am viewed as a subject matter expert, which inherently carries a position of power. As such, I needed to constantly ask for input, listen deeply, and use processes for collective decision-making. After all… they know their children, families, and communities much better than I ever could.
And so… as you continue to grow in your own personal leadership and cultural humility, I challenge you to take yourself on by asking yourself some of the following questions…
Are you aware of how your values and beliefs impact your behavior, your expectations, and your impact on others?
How often do you try to understand other's perspectives? Especially those you disagree with!
When did you last look at your policies and procedures for hidden biases?
These are just a few starting points for your journey towards cultural humility. If you're eager to delve deeper or wish to conduct training on this topic, I encourage you to reach out. I'm here to support you in your quest for cultural understanding and respect. Contact me at deidre.harris@teamagreements.com, and let's explore how I can assist you.