Critical Development of Cultural Consciousness

Synopsis

In today’s globalized world, the ability to navigate cultural differences with sensitivity and awareness is not just a virtue but a necessity, especially for leaders. The concept of Critical Cultural Consciousness encompasses more than just the recognition of these differences; it involves a deep, reflective understanding and the proactive development of skills to engage inclusively and respectfully across diverse cultural landscapes.

Critical Cultural Consciousness is rooted in the understanding of implicit bias—the unconscious associations and attitudes that influence our behavior and perceptions without our conscious awareness. By bringing these biases into the light, individuals can work to counteract them, paving the way for more equitable interactions and decision-making. This framework of consciousness is essential for leaders who must not only manage their own biases but also foster an environment of inclusivity within their organizations.

Before you begin here, first complete the Critical Considerations section in your workbook, this will prepare you for the work of the following compelling practices.

Compelling Practices Resources

In each of the sections below select 2-3 resources/activities to complete/explore.
In your Workbook record your response to the Turning Purpose Into Practice prompts thoughts, takeaways and learnings that resulted in your engagement.

Engage in Personal Cultural Introspection

When doing transformational work, starting with self is key. Take some time to consider your own background and context as a guidepost along your equity journey.

Turning Purpose Into Practice:

Once you complete the activities, consider; what did you learn about yourself ?
How will you use that self awareness to inform your equity leadership?

Practice Cultural Immersive Experiences:

We sometimes exist in a bubble our own personal comfort zone with what is familiar and reassuring to what we already know. If this is our only experience it it is hard to grow. Cultural Immersion Experiences offer an intentional distinct experience outside of our comfort zone. Being immersed in what is unfamiliar to us, helps develop leaderships, insight and empathy.

Turning Purpose Into Practice:

What did you learn, How did your perspective change?
What are you curious to learn more about?
How will you continue to make connections?

Seek Out & Study Diverse Perspectives

We like to hear about what we agree with to validate our own thoughts and self righteousness and self worth. Additionally, we live in society were diversity exist around us, but it is often not brought to the center . We suggest looking for view points from marginalized people who frequently do not have a voice in the mainstream.

- Eventbrite Free and Paid Offerings: Diversity & Inclusion Search
- Social Media Twitter Center for Antiracist Research, ColorOfChange
- Academic Text - We Want to Do More Than Survive Dr. Bettina Love
- Art Forms - Netflix- Black Lives Matter Playlist
- Talking About Race
- MN Compass: Racial Equity Resource Directory

Turning Purpose Into Practice:

What did you hear that was surprising or affirming?
What are your questions?

Assess Your Cultural Development

Cultural Inventories provide a relatively objective way to get 'data' on where we are on our equity journey. This helps us understand where were are, we we want to go and what we need to do to get there.

Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) -Contact QA
Inclusive Behaviors Inventory (IBI)
Harvard Implicit Association Test (Free)

Turning Purpose Into Practice:

What surprised you about your results?
How did your background influence your results?
How will you use this information?

Grow Your Cultural Intelligence 1.0

As with the many ways we must develop to be professionals and capable contributing members of society, we must also attend to our cultural intelligence . In this section the options focus on laying a foundation of basic vocabulary, reflection and understanding of cultural nuance.

Education Resources

Turning Purpose into Practice:

Based on your selection, in what ways has your understanding increased?
How do you see the nuances of culture and bias?

Once you Complete this section of Compelling Practices. Return to your Cultivating Courage Workbook and continue the Critical Development Stages outlined in the text of:

Critical Reflection
Compelling Commitment
Critical Action