What’s the key to establishing strong working relationships across global communities? In her article featured in Diversity Global, DE&I keynote speaker Wema Hoover says it’s all about “leading with empathy, openness, and a genuine appreciation for differences.” 

Wema Hoover is a Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leader, Executive Coach, Culture Curator, and former Google Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Her career has brought her to work in more than 25 countries— each teaching her something new about forming and maintaining relationships.

In her Diversity Global article, Wema describes two of her personal experiences dealing with culture shock while working in India and Paris. Her stories illustrate the importance of adapting and recognizing that there are nuances to building relationships across different social and cultural groups. What builds rapport in one culture could be a no-no in another. 

Wema suggests 4 things you can do when forming relationships, especially in new social and cultural settings: 

1. Be agile with your communication, style, and approach
2. Suspend judgment 
3. Be humble 
4. Assume good intent 

Want more practical insights, perspectives and actions enabling organizations to become better at building relationships across global communities? View Wema’s full Diversity Global article here.