You're building a team with diverse backgrounds. How can you ensure everyone works together effectively?

No culture is a monolith. Consider all the ways your identities interact with each other in relation to your culture? If no one culture is the same, even within itself, what makes you different? How do wish for that to acknowledged, honored even? Once you have examined yourself, employ the same validation of experience and compassion towards others. A practice I use is the Identity Wheel. I find that naming and hearing others name offers a chance to not only understand how you show up but how others perceive you and themselves. Never take anyone's lived experience personally or you miss the goal entirely. Rather, examine what you are feeling and why you feel this way.

Narrative and lived experience are key in building a culturally competent team. Understanding that what you "know" about someone else, and their demographic is basically assumption until they name this for themselves! Just we personally have our own understanding of our places in the world so do the people on our team. There is a richness in cultural diversity on a team, that ultimately leads to their strength. I also love the term cultural humility and embodied a forever learner stance that says we can never know everything about anyone or culture. So, we must always be curious.

Foster an environment where open communication is encouraged and valued. Create opportunities for team members to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback openly. Actively listen to everyone's perspectives and ensure that all voices are heard.

I find asking clarifying questions, being curious, and even reiterating my interpretation most helpful when communicating. I never assume I am the authority in a space, simply a valuable contributing member just as everyone else. I know that's probably not desirable for someone trying to make a presence or name for themselves. However, it shows humility and great leadership requires humility.

Implement clear communication channels and protocols to ensure effective communication among team members. Encourage transparency, clarity, and regular feedback to avoid misunderstandings and promote alignment towards common goals.

Yes! AND ask them what the appropriate ways are to do so. My experience has been that this is where much of the cultural incompetency comes from. Many well-meaning and kindhearted people are failing at this task by not asking how different cultural demographics wish to be acknowledged and celebrated! Sit down and engage or send an assessment letting them know you see them and wish to celebrate them, while also giving them autonomy! This, even more for marginalized groups!

The goal setting can be an effective instrument to bring natural collaboration within team that has conflicting day-to-day priorities. In my experience, a well defined common goal (where individuals may shine, but only the team can win) have been very effective in bringing up general interest mindset and collaboration.