Overcoming Adversity
Let’s be lefties for a day
DeVry University
Let’s be lefties for a day
We’ve all heard the cliché “walk a mile in my shoes”, this week I had the opportunity to participate in an experiment that allowed me to experience adversity as a left handed person. The experiment correlated with our lecture on diversity and it was a challenge! It gave me a new perspective on the simple conveniences that I take for granted as a right handed person. It also allowed me the opportunity to reflect and evaluate my experience compared to the difficulties and adaptations other cultures may face. During my left handed experience I found it difficult to write, type, and cook. It was almost comical watching me attempt to cut my food. This world and my home is designed for right handed people, which is somewhat upsetting since my husband and son are left handed. I compared my home environment with the definition of unprejudiced, institutionalized discrimination and was shocked to learn how much I expected them to adapt and overcome obstacles. I certainly …show more content…
Good communication is essential due to language barriers, and its effect on work performance. Some cultures do not take criticism well, while others may look for suggestions. Team building and education are important because many cultures prefer to work alone and others prefer cooperative assignments (Kirkman, Shapiro, 2001). Cross cultural team building will help accommodate all these preferences and help employees respect each other’s differences. Time and calendar mean different things to different cultures and ethnicities. An effort must be made to set up a companywide expectation that incorporates allowable time for holidays and religious preferences (Kirkman, Shapiro,
DeVry University
Let’s be lefties for a day
We’ve all heard the cliché “walk a mile in my shoes”, this week I had the opportunity to participate in an experiment that allowed me to experience adversity as a left handed person. The experiment correlated with our lecture on diversity and it was a challenge! It gave me a new perspective on the simple conveniences that I take for granted as a right handed person. It also allowed me the opportunity to reflect and evaluate my experience compared to the difficulties and adaptations other cultures may face. During my left handed experience I found it difficult to write, type, and cook. It was almost comical watching me attempt to cut my food. This world and my home is designed for right handed people, which is somewhat upsetting since my husband and son are left handed. I compared my home environment with the definition of unprejudiced, institutionalized discrimination and was shocked to learn how much I expected them to adapt and overcome obstacles. I certainly …show more content…
Good communication is essential due to language barriers, and its effect on work performance. Some cultures do not take criticism well, while others may look for suggestions. Team building and education are important because many cultures prefer to work alone and others prefer cooperative assignments (Kirkman, Shapiro, 2001). Cross cultural team building will help accommodate all these preferences and help employees respect each other’s differences. Time and calendar mean different things to different cultures and ethnicities. An effort must be made to set up a companywide expectation that incorporates allowable time for holidays and religious preferences (Kirkman, Shapiro,