Dr. Floyd Williams, Des Plaines, on Cultural Competency Training

Every area of life is becoming increasingly diverse as the world becomes more and more connected. We’re each being exposed to new cultures, no matter what profession we choose. It’s great that more diversity is being brought into various industries; it also means that we need to be more aware of the differences between cultures. It is at this point that cultural competency training comes into play. More companies should offer this training because it provides employees a chance to understand other cultures more deeply, which leads to better workplace environments.

Connect with colleagues

No matter what field your career is in, you’re going to be working with a variety of people. Understanding the cultural background of your coworkers and being open to those differences is vital for a successful business. Studies have shown that diversity within companies leads to greater job satisfaction and more effective problem-solving; bringing people with various worldviews and life experiences together is sure to have that effect.

Connect with clients

Much like no matter where you work you’ll have diverse colleagues, the same is true for clients or consumers. If you work in a public sphere, such as a hospital or school, you’ll be around an even more diverse group of people. It’s vitally important to have cultural competence when working in a place that helps others because you can make a difference in their lives by simply being sensitive to their culture and understanding differences. Providing clients or consumers with understanding and respecting their culture leads to greater satisfaction and helps your company retain business.

Deliver more effective service

In addition to general satisfaction, cultural competence with your clients allows you to effectively serve them. This point is especially important in a school or hospital, where employees are actively helping the people there. Understanding how to respect someone’s culture and how they differ from you helps you deliver better service and allows you to get them the help they need.

Protects you and your organization

Another benefit from cultural competency training is that it helps protect you and your organization from mistakes that could lead to negative publicity or even a lawsuit. Sometimes, being more informed about another culture helps you avoid making insensitive comments or doing something that’s considered culturally offensive.

Strengthens your community

Finally, cultural competency training leads to a stronger community. A diverse community that respects one another’s cultures brings people together and helps everyone feel comfortable in their individual culture. Businesses and employees who are culturally competent make it more easier for the community to share traditions, foods, and ideas from their various cultures. Respecting each other leads to a stronger, and happier, community for everyone.

About the Author

Dr. Floyd Williams is an education leader who has decades of experience in his field. He's worked in many positions within education, starting as a reading and math teacher and eventually moving all the way up to the position of superintendent. Floyd recognizes that students must be the focus of a school district and it is through them that true success is achieved. Students need educators who are dedicated to helping them make the most of their potential and work tirelessly toward their goals. Dr. Floyd Williams also feels passionately about the importance of diversity and helping those students that are disadvantaged get the tools they need to truly succeed. He believes mentorship is an incredible tool as well as continuously learning how to be a strong leader.