Cultural Cues and the Learning Mindset, by Phil Hotarek (Lutz Bath & Kitchen), an Education Committee Member

Preparing for upcoming conferences and meetings creates an opportune time for self reflection.  In a diverse industry, cultural awareness is a valued attribute that contributes to  professionalism.  Digital communication expanded use makes face-to-face interactions more impressionable than ever before.  A "Freudian slip" or cultural misfire when meeting someone from a different country can be awkward, but in fact, your recovery from mistakes can define your true character, given that mistakes are mitigated.  Here are some reminders before the next big event or gathering that will not only make your interactions more natural, but also help keep your mind in a state of equilibrium.

The Learning Mindset
Ambitious, driven individuals with a hard work ethic can easily succumb to a "Performance Mindset," obsessing over results and the perception that mistakes are evidence of underlying limitations.  Obsessing over perfection has a direct effect on the person's ability to use creative thinking skills.  You box in your own personality and begin to panic, which can make a situation seem even more alarming than it actually is.  The Learning Mindset starts with accepting the inevitable. We are human beings who make mistakes.  Keep the creative juices flowing by keeping hearts and minds open.  By eliminating impediments to your ability to think strategically, you become receptive to limitless knowledge and aware of opportunities that present themselves.

Be Prepared
One of the my favorite cheesy sayings of all time is "luck is when preparation meets opportunity."  Nothing is more evident than a person who is prepared.  Know your audience, your demographic and align them with your intentions.  Being equipped with knowledge on cultural cues is a sign of respect and demonstrates an effort in preparation, so long as your interests are authentic and genuine.

Be Engaging
Being prepared also leads to being engaging.  At an event, meeting, or conference listen, observe, and contribute while keeping cultural cues in mind.  The occasional faux pas may occur and if it does, learn from it.  Engage in self reflection and be genuine in your recovery.

Follow Up and Feedback
Follow up is a professional skill that many have not mastered and in our modern age is becoming a lost art.  Remembering the little details after only being asked for something once is difficult to execute even though it is a simple concept.  If something is offered or presented in an interaction, follow up on it.  Did you make a commitment that at the moment seemed like a good idea?  Follow up on it then and learn.  Being open to feedback is another characteristic that demonstrates the Learning Mindset.  Receptiveness makes for simpler communication and the ability to receive feedback creates opportunity to learn and grow.