In today’s globalised world, being able to connect and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds has become increasingly essential. Tayo Rockson’s book “Use Your Difference to Make a Difference: How to Connect and Communicate in a Cross-Cultural World” offers a transformative approach to understanding the intricacies of cross-cultural communication and how we can leverage our differences to bring positive change. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world and learn how to build meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who wants to better understand the world around you, “Use Your Difference to Make a Difference” will equip you with the tools and insights you need to communicate and connect in a way that promotes mutual respect and understanding.
Connecting across differences is like building a bridge. You must first educate yourself about yourself, like examining your side of the river, before you can start building towards the other side. As Rockson argues, “the most powerful action you can take is to learn about yourself.” This means taking the time to reflect on your cultural context, biases, and assumptions. By understanding your own cultural identity, you can better understand and appreciate the differences of others, like the terrain on the other side of the river.
To create a truly inclusive and equitable environment, you must also commit to undoing your stereotypes to avoid continuing oppression. It is like removing rocks or debris from the riverbed so that the bridge can be built safely and securely. It requires a deep understanding of the historical and social contexts that shape our perceptions and attitudes. By acknowledging and addressing our own biases, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Leadership plays a crucial role in accepting diversity and inclusion. Leaders must be willing to communicate and model the behaviours they want to see in their teams. It is like a captain steering a ship towards a destination. It means creating a safe space for open dialogue, encouraging diverse perspectives, and valuing different experiences and backgrounds. The captain must communicate with the crew and ensure that everyone is working together towards the same goal
To build connection and overcome division, Tayo Rockson introduces a framework called the LORA model that seeks to promote cultural understanding and acceptance. This model consists of four steps that anyone can follow: listening, observing, reflecting, and acting.
- Listening: It involves actively paying attention to yourself and others, especially those from different cultural backgrounds. It means listening to problematic statements and making an effort to understand shared values.
- Observing: it means observing situations, contexts, and individuals carefully before passing judgment. It involves studying details such as body language and microexpressions to improve your understanding of people and institutions.
- Reflecting: It involves introspection and paying attention to moments when you feel defensive or fail to communicate effectively. It involves recognising power dynamics and negative narratives that continue discrimination against certain groups.
- Acting: This means taking action to promote cultural understanding and acceptance by using the insights gained from listening, observing, and reflecting to make a positive impact on the world around you.
By adopting the LORA model as a practice, individuals can transform themselves and the world around them. This model can help develop empathy, respect, and open-mindedness towards diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, like working on a team project. As Rockson notes, “The world needs new pathways for healing and forgiveness”. It is like working together to build the bridge, with each person offering their unique skills and perspective. By creating these pathways, we can build bridges across differences and create a more connected and compassionate world, like connecting two sides of a river. It enhances critical thinking skills as well as social and emotional well-being. It prepares individuals for future academic and professional success in an increasingly interconnected world.
In conclusion, “Use Your Difference to Make a Difference” offers a compelling roadmap for connecting and communicating in a cross-cultural world. By educating ourselves about ourselves, learning about our community and cultural context, accepting diversity and inclusion, and being willing to communicate, we can build bridges of understanding and make a lasting impact to create a better world for all. As individuals, it is up to all of us to champion these values and create a more inclusive and respectful society. So, let’s lead by example, use our differences as strengths, and work together to shape a brighter future for everyone.