Cultural Diversity

Diversity in the work place opens up a multiplicity of opportunity when it comes to embracing different culture and broadening horizons in the face of client relations. It can pose a challenge, however, to mesh these differences in a way that allows for effective communication and cooperation in a team of coworkers if not handled properly. The key to successfully maintaining proper communication is through the use of empathy practices among staff and leadership.

What is empathy?

In everyday use of the term, empathy refers to the action of putting one’s self in another’s shoes. Attempting to understand the thoughts, feelings, and perspective of another, however, is an art that requires some amount of skill. Keeping an open mind is the first step to practicing empathy and opening doors to effective communication. Empathy requires practice, and quite a bit of education to pull off-especially in a workplace that embraces a higher level of formality.

Practical exercises to strengthen empathy are key to a successful workplace.

Because diversity is such an essential asset to the workplace, providing practical ways for your employees to practice empathy is incredibly important. There are many methods employees can use to do this, many of which are incredibly simple. Providing a casual atmosphere for teambuilding – whether within the workplace or at an outside venue such as a retreat-will give coworkers the opportunity to educate their colleagues on life history and background, which opens the floor for discussion on particular cultures represented in the diversity of the group. Facilitating open discussion is essential for education and success. Read the rest of this entry »

Cultural diversity is everywhere you look in the restaurant service business and has to be discussed with employees immediately whenever problems are beginning to mount. The “employee tension factor” must always be gauged judiciously over the course of time during the running of daily operations. This concept must be taught in every restaurant management training program. Anticipation and forethought of this type will keep a pressure cooker atmosphere from exploding, so it won’t be too late to turn back the negative tide.

It is important to be aware that people from various cultures get the job done differently. The differences in language can deter proper communication, so the staff must be informed to speak slowly at times and be patient with each other. Owners/operators and managers must also be patient with their restaurant service staffs. There are many different ways of thinking, acting, managing and communicating in a foodservice operation, but employees must be treated courteously and respectfully at all times.

Sadly, there was one story that I heard from a busser who had signed up for my waiter training seminars. He told me that the owner had fired him because his accent was too strong. To me, this was extremely shallow thinking by the owner, And, it made me wonder how little time it would take for all of the restaurant service staff to become his enemies. Owner/operators and managers must let their hosts, waiters, bussers and food runners know that they are all working together side by side to serve the customer properly. Read the rest of this entry »