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As we head into 2013, and we are approached for team conflict resolution interventions in corporate, government and other business arenas, I am astounded at the levels of prejudice, cross cultural incompetence and general inability to build relationships in diverse teams.
Much of the prejudice is so archaic it is almost ancestral in origin, in fact some of it is from colonial days. Some of it comes from the sad era of Apartheid. And sadly much of it is being created on a daily basis, both in homes and the workplace.
Our people are divided. Our politicians and government perpetuate the divisions daily – by political affiliation, race, colour, language, clan – even though they profess to be developing a non-racial democracy. New forms of formalised Apartheid and political protectionism creep in every year. And this is reflected in the attitudes and actions of our people.
Racial superiority and inferiority according to what race you were born into and where you stay, is rampant.
Ours is one of the few countries in the world where the race question is foremost in the minds of people. Be they mothers and fathers, business owners, civil servants, procurement specialists, or workplace employment teams, “What colour is he – or she?”Or more blatantly as if they are talking about another creature, other than a human being – “What is he?”
This simply must stop.
If we are to give our children, and ourselves, a fair chance at living in, and building our beautiful country we need to change. To be different and to become more human. Our Celebrating Humanity team conflict resolution and diversity training programmes do this – but only for the people that we interact with – and their families. The Ubuntu Girl – Soja Kruse does this – but again the extent of her reach is limited. (ubuntuabundance@gmail.com)
So how do we, as a nation of human beings begin to bring about the long term change that is so deeply needed?
10 steps
- Accept that there is a problem in the way that we think, talk and act towards people of other religions and cultures.
- Resolve to make changes in your own behaviour, and do not accept negative behaviour from people within your circle. (You may have to find some new friends!)
- Set yourself some change goals. Accept that in doing so, you will leave a wonderful legacy for future generations.
- Stop using negative, prejudiced words and names.
- Stop judging – get to know more about cultures, religions, traditions and belief systems. Have fun whilst learning. Invite people home and visit their homes, celebrations, funerals and traditional events.
- Learn new languages, from other people. Start with greetings, thanks, goodbyes and body language. (Misunderstood body language is often an immediate block to respect and business relationships.)
- Learn how to cater for people from different backgrounds. Do not judge from your own experience. There may be challenges and fantastic opportunities arising from differences in culture, religion, health and personal preference.)
- Learn what respect means to others – and show them respect in the ways that they wish to be respected. Actively make decisions without bias. This may mean that you have to think very deeply before you decide important things. (We are often polluted by our own belief systems and upbringing.
- Clear the smog, simplify your required outcomes and make informed and responsible decisions.)
- Celebrate each noticeable change. Celebrate the changes that you see in those around you!
It is time that we began to celebrate the wonders of our similarities and our differences. Not only in South Africa, but in Africa and the World.
We are in our 19th year as a free democracy, it is time now to grow up and live to our full potential!
Please feel free to email me, or call me on 079643 4457, if you want to be a part of a new future.
Brian V Moore
Author, Speaker, Facilitator
Celebrating Humanity International
Communication, Diversity Management, Leadership, Team Building and Team Conflict Resolution Specialists
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