This post is the second in my series of resources for increasing your CQ* (cultural intelligence).
The phrase – ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do” – basically means to do as those around do and is good advice to heed. The idea fits well with the platinum rule of cultural competency “do unto others as they would like to have done unto them”.
Learning the norms and customs of other cultures can be quite interesting and practicing them when you interact with people from those cultures communicates your respect. Given the immense diversity on our planet and the increasing diversity of our nation, communities, and workplaces, being a student of other cultures is yet another piece of the continuous development puzzle.
I’ve written previously about how the greeting varies from culture to culture and am sharing this video as a resource. It includes information about how to greet people around the world (actually nine countries) and is a start for learning what’s appropriate.
For many of us, drinking coffee is important and almost a daily ritual. If that is true for you, check out this infographic on ordering coffee around the world. This particular resource goes out to my favorite coffee drinking friend and avid traveler – you know who you are! 🙂
Speaking of coffee, I’ve read that in certain Eastern European cultures, formal performance discussions between a manager and employee begin following coffee and pastries.
Finally, for insight on learning more about other cultures via food, here is a post by travel blogger Andy Andersen. It is certainly a bonus if you get to experience the food in its country of origin but if not, check out ethnic restaurants in your community.
*I use cultural fluency, cultural competence, and cultural intelligence interchangeably.