Coffee Break: Is it ok to share my culture at work?

by Solange Lopes | Mar 10, 2017 | Career

This is our coffee break feature, where we take a break to discuss all things career, life and everything in between…Got a topic you want to discuss? Email corporate@thecorporatesister.com!

Q: As an immigrant, I’m from a different culture, and wonder if it’s ok to discuss it at work? Would I risk sounding unprofessional?  Thoughts?

A: Dear Culture Warrior, I can so relate to your question. Being a West African immigrant from Senegal, and a triple minority at that, I’ve very often asked myself the same thing. I mean, do I share my peanut butter and beef stew recipe with the rest of  my vegetarian teammates? Or clarify (yet again) the blatant fact that Africa is not a country?

Related: Are you minding your corporate culture?

Seriously, it can be challenging to step over what I call the invisible cultural barrier in the workplace. In the midst of the St. Patrick festivities, Cinco de Mayo and other well-known cultural celebrations, talking about one’s own culture can seem daunting. But it shouldn’t…We all bring something different to the table, and that includes who we are, where we come from and what makes up our cultural, personal and professional values. In other words, the walking awesomeness we are…

So yes, IT IS A-OK TO TALK ABOUT YOUR CULTURE AT WORK!  Actually, companies are increasingly aware of the need to promote awareness and cultural diversity in the workplace. Caveat: It has to be in the RIGHT context! So let’s set a few ground rules as we step out on the cultural scene at work:

• Don’t be afraid to bring up your own culture when cultural insights are being shared: if/when you co-workers are sharing Italian recipes and Irish customs, don’t be afraid to interject with your own fufu recipes or Indian customs. It’s called diversity, and it’s a great thing!
• Know when to bring it up! In strictly professional discussions, keep it just that, professional! Discussions about culture and other personal aspects are best when brought on in a more playful and familiar context, unless of course, it’s a work requirement, like in certain more socially-oriented professions!
• Be realistic: Not everyone may be familiar with your culture, which may at first come across as indifference or even disrespect. Don’t take it personal, your job is not to control people’s reactions, but to remain true to who you are!
• Don’t be defensive! It’s important to understand that while you have a right to talk about your culture as part of who you are and in the right context, the goal is not to present yourself as the Culture Defender of the century. At least not at work…Graciously introduce this part of yourself, and don’t feel the need to justify or defend it. Remember you’re enough, regardless of what anyone else may think or say.

All in all, don’t shy away from talking about your culture at work, as long as you know when and how to present it!

Thoughts? Opinions? Post them in the comments below or email me at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sis.