The Culture Competency Workshops are customized learning modules that are tailored to meet specific needs and create greater understanding around various identity groups. For example, sessions have been created to address issues like:

•  Generational differences

•  Sexual Orientation

•  Ethnic differences

•  Gender differences

•  Religious differences

These programs examine a natural tendency to assess other identity groups by our own standards – which will often result in less-than-desirable outcomes. The learning experience is designed to correct those tendencies with knowledge and competencies aimed at improving connections with those who are different from us.

Introduction: The Importance of Being a Bridge Builder

The stage is set for mutual understanding as an organizational imperative and fundamental “life skill” to ensure personal and organizational success.

Group Norms and Cultural Tendencies are discussed from the perspective of archetypal data that is carefully presented as information describing the general patterns of a particular identity group (as it might apply to age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, etc.). There is also explicit acknowledgement that not everyone follows the norm.

Group Norms and Cultural Tendencies are discussed from the perspective of archetypal data that is carefully presented as information describing the general patterns of a particular identity group (as it might apply to age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, etc.). There is also explicit acknowledgement that not everyone follows the norm.

Various cultural dimensions are explored in the different workshops such as:

•  Different Communication Styles Based On Gender

•  Different Beliefs Based On Religion

•  Different Perspectives Based on Sexual Orientation

•  Different Customs Based on Ethnicity

•  DifferentWork Styles Based on Age

Participants are divided into respective groups and asked to make a list of ways they might feel misunderstood. Specifically, they are asked to identify comments or behaviors that they would consider challenging and to locate their groups “hot buttons” – with the aim of helping other groups understand why these items are challenging for them.

Discussion of Recruiting Practices in reference to particular identity groups

Discussion of Career Planning in reference to particular identity groups

Giving and Receiving Feedback in reference to particular identity groups

Recognition and Rewards in reference to particular identity groups

Marketing Efforts as they apply to particular identity groups

Product Lines as they apply to particular identity groups

Community Involvement as it applies to particular identity groups

Customer Service as it applies to particular identity groups

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap

A discussion of specific action plans to close the gender, ethnic, religious, lifestyle and generational gaps are developed by the participants from both a personal and organizational perspective. Also, additional resources for continued learning and growth are recommended.