Multicultural Leadership

The Census Bureau reported that 48% of Generation Z is non-Caucasian. Today's youth and young adults represent the most diverse generation in our history. In addition, they live in a world of globalization and technology that connects us to diverse people in our communities and around the world. As we seek to engage the next generation in our ministries, workplaces, and communities, we must be leaders who value and embrace diversity, and who model effective multicultural leadership. This month, Charlotte Kassis and Bethany Peters joined me on The Leading Tomorrow Podcast to discuss tips and strategies for growing as multicultural leaders. Here are a couple of key takeaways from our discussion: 

• Cultural competency requires cultural humility. We don't know what we don't know; we need to start out by acknowledging that and adopt the posture of learner as we engage those around us
• Cultural humility requires self awareness, understanding who you are, your cultural identity, and what has influenced you
• Multicultural effectiveness requires active learning and engagement with those who are different than us in order to learn and grow in our understanding and empathy

The following are strategies that emerged from our discussion on developing our skills as multicultural leaders: 

• Learn to identify your stereotypes, perspectives and biases
• Activate your curiosity, genuine curiosity about other people's perspectives and beliefs 
• Be an active learner and active listener; engage your learner skills through education, getting to know people and asking good questions
• Practice good self awareness and self reflection 
• Seek out relationships with those who are different from you
• Actively engage the diversity in your community 

As we discussed multicultural leadership, Charlotte reminded us that it can be harmful to ignore differences that exist, to work alongside someone and not know their story. It is important to acknowledge diversity, appreciate it, and seek to understand the perspectives and stories of those who come from different backgrounds. It is also critical to ask ourselves, "Do my activities, interests, relationships, and learning pursuits show that I truly value diversity? How can I grow in this?" To hear the full discussion, check out this month's episode of The Leading Tomorrow Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. 

May we continue to develop our cultural competency as we engage a diverse Generation Z!

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