Working with people from backgrounds different from our own can be complex, stressful, and exhausting. Oftentimes there are communication barriers, misunderstandings, and value conflicts. In addition, time-zone differences, international travel, and virtual communication can increase the risk of exhaustion and burnout.
Here are four effective ways to improve your confidence and resilience in diverse settings:
Practice
The most effective means of increasing your resilience in diverse settings is practice. Early success strengthens expectations of future success. You are less discouraged by setbacks if you’ve been able to overcome problems in the past. Cumulative success builds resilience for coping with future challenges.
On the other hand, early failures threaten self-confidence. It is important to start with small and incremental opportunities for success. Don’t jump into the deep end with a “sink or swim” approach. Cultural Intelligence training transfers a set of core skills to help you manage new settings.
Learn from others
Watching others successfully manage diversity can also increase your expectations of success. Find someone who works well with diverse others and learn from them.
Seek help
A Cultural Intelligence coach or cultural mentor can improve your resilience by providing encouragement and reassurance as you experiment with new skills.
Look after yourself
Anxiety undermines resilience. Stereotypes and prejudice, culture shock, communication problems, interpersonal conflict, or stressful working conditions (for example, deadlines, jet lag) can increase anxiety in diverse settings. Be sure to take time out and get enough rest.