Comments on: Do we need to learn about difference? http://tangotraining.com/blog/2009/11/09/do-we-need-to-learn-about-difference/ Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:43:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Anna http://tangotraining.com/blog/2009/11/09/do-we-need-to-learn-about-difference/comment-page-1/#comment-127 Anna Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:12:21 +0000 http://tangotraining.com/blog/?p=189#comment-127 Thanks for your comment Kari. The eye contact example is a good one. Thanks for your comment Kari. The eye contact example is a good one.

]]> By: Kari Bitzer http://tangotraining.com/blog/2009/11/09/do-we-need-to-learn-about-difference/comment-page-1/#comment-125 Kari Bitzer Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:30:58 +0000 http://tangotraining.com/blog/?p=189#comment-125 I completely agree with the points you made. I understand the concept, if we just treat everyone with respect, we don't need to understand what the differences are, but to me that isn't realistic. Across cultures, genders, ages, etc. unless we understand why people function the way they do, we can't adapt our behaviors for successful communication. A very simple example is maintaining eye contact when speaking with someone to show respect and interest. Understanding cultural and generational differences has helped me realize, people are not being disrespectful or disinterested, they simply operate differently when they don't maintain eye contact. For some culture's it is disrespectful to maintain eye contact. This may be over simplifying the discussion, but I am a firm believer in understanding as much as I can about the people I come in contact with and that understanding improves communication in almost all circumstances. I completely agree with the points you made. I understand the concept, if we just treat everyone with respect, we don’t need to understand what the differences are, but to me that isn’t realistic. Across cultures, genders, ages, etc. unless we understand why people function the way they do, we can’t adapt our behaviors for successful communication.

A very simple example is maintaining eye contact when speaking with someone to show respect and interest. Understanding cultural and generational differences has helped me realize, people are not being disrespectful or disinterested, they simply operate differently when they don’t maintain eye contact. For some culture’s it is disrespectful to maintain eye contact. This may be over simplifying the discussion, but I am a firm believer in understanding as much as I can about the people I come in contact with and that understanding improves communication in almost all circumstances.

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