X Getting Underneath Surface Diversity To know that a person is of a certain race, gender, or ethnic background does not by itself tell us much about that person's perceptions, values, or behaviors. However, it clearly alerts us to possible sources of miscommunication. We can then take the opportunity to learn more. The following list includes several practical strategies for learning more about those who differ from you. Not surprisingly, the key ingredients in establishing a relationship with them are mutual respect and a desire for understanding. - Create informal time together. Invite fellow members to meals. Show respect for their culture and language, and signal to them that you honestly want to learn about them and their culture. Ask yourself, "How would I feel if I were in their shoes?" - Learn how to pronounce names correctly and practice until you can do so fluently. - When conversing in English with people who have limited English skills, speak slowly and clearly. Remember. speaking loudly does not make you more understandable. - Listen, observe, and ask questions. A key question might be "Would you help me understand?" - Be careful about making promises. In English, we express the subjunctive (possibility, probability, or contingency) in a way that others sometimes misunderstand. A common example of this is the tendency for people to say that they "have to get together soon." This is often interpreted literally by people from certain cultures, and they feel a requirement to see that person within the next few days. Don't allow cultural differences or preferences to become the basis for criticism and judgments. Differences are neither good nor bad; what we do with them is the key. Seek and promote any organizational diversity initiatives (for example, training seminars, mentoring, language seminars) that might help your cause