Building Cultural Competence Through Experiential Learning

Cultural competence has become imperative for professional success in today's world. So how can you get there? How can you achieve cultural competence? How can real-world experiences be not just an avenue for personal growth, but also a vehicle for professional growth?

Nicole Barile and Robert Maisel are experts on culture, global leadership, and mobility. They share their experiences in the four categories below, including how each experience impacted their professional lives:

#1 - Travel Experience

[Rob]: Trudging through the Amazon Rainforest was tiring. It was scary. Almost everything we encountered could have killed us. My days there provided me with an understanding of a new way of life. I learned how people in that environment survive and thrive. I learned the many ways in which the tribes derive resources such as food and medication from their environment. I was able to apply the resourcefulness gained through this experience to solving problems in the workplace.

[Nicole]: A 10-day road-trip through Morocco was one of the most challenging trips I’ve had to date. While we spoke 3 languages among our group, none of us spoke French or Arabic. Our cell phones didn’t work, so we navigated our way throughout the country by reading maps and road signs the best we could. What saved us from getting completely lost was the kindness of strangers. We had several people say “Follow me!” as they drove 20 minutes out of their way just to make sure we found our hotel. That kindness has stayed with me, and I try to go out of my way to help others, mentoring those who need guidance in their careers. 

#2 - Work Experience

[Rob]: Working in Japan allowed me to better understand how even though The United States tends to be results oriented, not all countries are. In Japan, the focus tends to be on the process and relationships more so than the end result. While there, I was constantly invited out for drinks and snacks with coworkers, and came to understand the importance of attending social events. Building these relationships in Japan taught me how to be a more thoughtful and successful relationship builder in future work environments.

[Nicole]: My time working in Mexico taught me how to be more flexible and adaptable. Many people want to change, but actually getting there - actually changing - is something you need to work at. Adapting your work and communication styles is not easy, but it’s necessary if you’re working with diverse teams and colleagues. I learned so much about time management and relationship-building - mostly having patience and slowing down - and these things carry over into my work today. 

#3 - Academic Experience

[Rob]: Studying abroad in Buenos Aires allowed me to gain a whole new perspective by observing and engaging with a new culture. By better understanding crucial elements of Argentine culture such as tango, mate and dulce de leche, I have been able to connect on a deeper level with Argentine people throughout my professional career. These deep connections have allowed me to create more meaningful and long-lasting relationships.

[Nicole]: I also studied in Buenos Aires (perhaps just a few years before Rob) 😊. The local university connected each international student to a host - a local Argentinian student that would show us around the city and teach us the ins & outs of the school. This student and I are great friends today and still visit each other from time to time. Making deep connections with those from across the globe helps you better understand other perspectives and viewpoints. I use this in my work, making sure to look at issues from various angles.

#4 - Volunteer Experience

[Rob]: When I was traveling through Cambodia, I stumbled across a local organization that was not only bringing clean and drinkable water to villages, but was also providing the children with the opportunity to learn various subjects. I took part in the learning by teaching English for the day. Seeing how much these children appreciated the time and effort of the volunteers was very rewarding internally for me. This experience influenced me to become a more kind, considerate and caring person, especially as it pertains to negotiations.

[Nicole]: The volunteering experience that shaped me the most was actually an experience right at home in the US. I was a mentor for an international student from Bolivia who had come to the US for one year of high school. Through our conversations, I learned so much about the challenges people face when coming to the US, and since this time I’ve worked teaching others to be more inclusive, especially in the workforce. So many organizations hire for ‘fit’ without recognizing that what they actually need is someone different who can bring new and innovative ways of working to the company.

The stories above demonstrate two people’s real-world experiences, spread across several categories.

Each experience shows the imprint that the events left on the person, what they learned, and how they were able to apply that knowledge to a professional setting. These are just a handful of examples to illustrate how exposure to other cultures leads to the creation of a global mindset and more inclusivity overall. Have you had any real-world experiences with another culture/s that impacted your professional life? If so, please share in the comments.

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To learn more about how to increase cultural competence within your organization contact me at hello@nicolebarile.com or visit me on YouTube.