How can you connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures at networking events?

At networking events, you can make relationships with people from different cultures and backgrounds by using the following strategies: 1. Adopt cultural sensitivity: Be respectful of the traditions and cultures of others. Keep an open mind, show empathy, and refrain from drawing conclusions or assumptions from preconceived notions. 2. Actively listen: Take in what others have to say about their opinions, experiences, and insights. Encourage them to share more about their history and culture by posing open-ended inquiries. 3. Look for common ground: To overcome cultural differences, look for shared passions, pastimes, or career objectives. Look for subjects that will spark thought-provoking discussions and foster a sense of community.

Learn the greetings in their language. In a recent event, where I was meeting colleagues from APAC and EMEA regions, I remembered to pratice saying "hello" in their language. Xin ciao(vietnamese), Ni haao(mandarin), swadi(thai), Halla/ Hallo(swedish/norwegian) etc

Do your homework seems obvious. Yet, the main question is : "what are the references ?". Could you trust everything your read in books or magazine articles ? Be yourself, be open-minded and keep on learning are three key-motivations, probably more important than a "homework".

The key is to approach each interaction with an open mind, respect for diversity, and a genuine interest in building connections. Connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures at networking events requires a combination of cultural awareness, open-mindedness, and effective communication skills. We need to be open-minded, use a friendly and open demeanor, give your full attention to the person you're talking to. Very very very important; is to recognize and address any unconscious biases you may have. And finally, respect personal boundaries.

¿Quién soy yo aquí? Esta primera pregunta me hará ser consciente de lo que represento en la sala. Viene bien hacer una lista larga (durante 3 minutos) de las pertenencias de mi identidad: "soy mujer, española, blanca...". Al leerlas soy más consciente de qué represento para las demás personas en la sala, es decir, qué representan mis identidades para ellos. A lo mejor encuentro en mí identidades que históricamente han agredido a otras (ej: Como española, cuando estoy con personas de América Latina, es posible que algunos piensen en los conquistadores). A lo mejor encuentro en mí identidades que se sienten agredidas por otras. Asumir las identidades que represento me ayudará a estar más abierta a las demás personas y su sensibilidad.

La curiosidad y el respeto son formas de apertura: la apertura genuina es la que deja al otro ser y sorprenderme. La persona que tengo delante es infinita: en cada momento está viniendo a ser algo nuevo, su nuevo potencial. Hazte consciente de tu forma de mirar: La forma como miro al otro, lo que proyectan mis ojos, puede crear un espacio seguro, de oportunidad, de habilitación del otro.

Being curious and respectful are obvious. What if we could make other's curious about what we can bring in this meeting, and respectful about what we would like to bring in the meeting ? A networking meeting is a place where expectations are multilateral. So being curious, should always be accompanied by the ambition to make others curious as well. Same for the respect.

We all bring our own biases wherever we go, no matter how aware we are of them. Being curious and interested is one of the greatest gifts we can give as humans to start to create meaningful connections and to start to challenge those biases whilst learning about other people’s worlds and what life looks and feels like for them.

Being curious and respectful is the backbone to being a good human, irrespective of potential benefit. At networking events, it's interesting to listen, learn and mingle with as many people in the room that feels natural. Don't get 'stuck' talking to the same person, simply because they're comfortable. Keep it moving

Few tips to connect well with people from diverse backgrounds : 1. Be adaptable 2. Display your background and culture in a sophisticated manner 3. Respect other cultures and backgrounds 4. Show genuine keenness to learn about diverse backgrounds around you.

I think the best tip here is when you’re unsure of which style to have; ask questions to gauge the person you’re talking with. By doing so, you’ll give yourself inner mental space to reflect before adapting your style.

I wouldn't say "adapt your style", but well "match the accepted standards". People should remain themselves, with their own characteristics, and keep respect to what majority can accept. I have seen in the past, during a company party, a guy coming with a domestic monkey. Very funny, but looking weird ; and not well accepted by the company. Target of the party was to make people closer, in a professional framework. Bringing a monkey was just not professional and the target was missed. So, my 5 cents : * match the standards; * keep the target in mind; * be yourself;

Here are a small handful of facilitation skills I use when working to include all: 1) Allow space and time for people to acquaint. It sounds small, but makes all the difference. 2) Use smaller groups to discuss points so people can contribute. 3) We need to be mindful that not everyone likes to feedback to large groups, so adapting how the group feeds-back is essential. 4) Allow opportunities for people to contribute. 5) Thank people for their contribution. It’s free to do and means a lot. 6) Share great examples and as the facilitator don’t be the only one talking, that’s a lecture and not a facilitated session. 7) Lastly, before you even start a facilitator session make sure you’re there to meet and greet! It’s a game changer.

Embracing diverse cultures enriches our professional work life. Leveraging facilitation skills allows me to bridge cultural gaps, ensuring inclusive collaboration. By creating an open, safe forum, valuing diverse perspectives, and helping to facilitate effective communication, we can build stronger connections that transcend borders and cultural differences and builds on what we have in common and not our differences. Let's celebrate diversity and harness its power for collective success! #CulturalInclusion #FacilitationSkills #GlobalCollaboration

Facilitation is not being center stage but it can be making others comfortable to share and find areas of commonality when they exist. Also cultural and group strengths. We belong to many sub groups

Make the conversation about them rather than about you. Considering that many of them may be nervous, it is better to approach them with a style that will relax then rather than create more tension. You could begin with a compliment or a joke.

Don't leave without cards or notebook. If you exchange cards sooner than later jot down something that will remind you of who they are. Ie the place you met,anything you promised or reason you want to connect that may or maynot on card I carry a A4 Size notebook for that purpose. It's size lille less than palm of my hand. Latter putting in your email contact list.

Connect with people! Networking events are usually get togethers to enhance the business engagement and opportunities, but remember it’s always about people first - who they are, what are their likes/dislikes, why they behave in a certain way, how they respond…… Invest in people - learn about them, respect their diverse backgrounds and cultures, build mutual bonding and trust, healthy networking will be a natural outcome and your true net worth! #nskspeaks

Approach conversations with an open mind, showing genuine interest in learning about different cultures and perspectives. Remember, the key is to be respectful, curious, and open to building meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds.

Capture the good stuff and build on the other stuff. Sounds simple, but it’s crucial to be able to make the session impactful. This is the part I call ‘So, what?’ - it’s where we round up and round down to create takeaways. They are super powerful and enable the learning to sink in.

What makes people going in a specific direction ? Since there are lots of segments of potential different opinions, cultures, traditions, which method to put in place to facilitate decisions in large group of people. I would recommend to identify different tendencies in function of : 1. what are the targets of each tendency? 2. what each tendency can accept or not?; and finally, what could bring them altogether ? That is a first step to a tactical way to facilitate the large number of colleague/people.