Some experts are suggesting
that it is time to add number 12 to that list:
a cross-cultural competency. In
an increasingly global economy and interconnected world, people of varying
cultures find themselves occupying the same space. This provides both the potential for
misunderstandings and opportunities for growth.
First, we should acknowledge
that all coaching is, in a sense, cross-cultural. If an Anglo woman in Atlanta is coaching an
African-American man in Milwaukee, the conversation is as cross-cultural as
that of an American coaching a Korean.
Each of us operates out of a specific culture, even if we are not aware
that we do.
Second, culture is not
necessarily a barrier to be overcome but an experience to use in coaching. A good coach can work with a client to
understand how his or her culture—based on place, economics, and other factors—impacts
the way that client sees the world. “Creating
Awareness” is already a core competency but when we consider one’s culture, the
idea expands greatly. Our values,
expectations, and concerns often grow out of our culture setting.
Third, one’s culture may be
a source of leverage as one deals with a personal or professional challenge. As a person becomes more aware of his or her
culture, the possibilities of using the resources there for change can be extremely
valuable.
Someone once said that It
would be difficult for a fish to describe water because it does not know any
other environment. As human beings, we
have the opportunity to become more aware of the environment or culture we find
ourselves in and use it for personal and professional growth.
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