‘Context, Culture and Positive Psychology: Reflecting on Advanced Practice’ A webinar series with Christian van Nieuwerburgh, Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology 7th, 23rd, 30th June and 7th July 2017

Christian van Nieuwerburgh 30th June 2017 Webinar 3: ‘Interculturally-sensitive coaching’ Christian van Nieuwerburgh 30th June 2017

Executive Coaching and “Otherness” [alternative title to webinar] Executive Coaching and “Otherness” @christianvn

Our time together Why it’s important to talk about this Diversity Discrimination Working with “culture” Practical issues Possible strategies Time for questions

Existing definitions of culture “pattern of shared, basic taken-for-granted assumptions…that manifests itself at the level of observable artifacts and shared espoused values, norms, and rules of behaviour” Schein, 2010 “the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time.” Cambridge Online Dictionary

“Self-identified cultural group” Think of three self-identified cultural groups for yourself. Which is most important to you?

Protected Characteristics Anti-discrimination legislation Protected Characteristics Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin) Pregnancy and maternity Religion and belief Sexual orientation Age Disability Gender reassignment Married or civil partnership Don’t really like to even talk about these topics--having grown up in Lebanon myself. 3 questions that become increasingly more challenging. Do you notice any discrimination against these characteristics in society? In your schools? Do you discriminate? Equality Act (UK) 2010

Interculturally-sensitive coaching 1. Not discriminating 2. Being respectful 3. Treating people fairly

“Treating people fairly” From a universalist point of view, everyone should be treated equally and should follow the same rules and laws. From a particularist point of view, every case is different and people should be treated differently based on their particular circumstances. Even then it’s difficult… Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner, 1997

The developmental model of Intercultural Sensitivity Intercultural Sensitivity 1 DENIAL of cultural difference 2 DEFENCE against cultural difference 3 MINIMISATION of cultural difference 4 ACCEPTANCE of cultural difference 5 ADAPTATION to cultural difference 6 INTEGRATION of cultural difference The developmental model of intercultural sensitivity. Think about where you/your school would be in this model. It’s only a theory—but it is helpful for our own self-awareness. Bennett, 1993

Keep a note of where you are… Which stage most closely aligns with your current way of thinking about “cultural difference”?

Denial of cultural difference Avoids experiencing difference by staying within homogeneous group. Stays separate from other cultural groups to protect own worldview. Bennett, 1993

Defence against cultural difference Believes that own culture is superior to other cultures. Criticises and judges other cultures as inferior. Bennett, 1993

Minimisation of cultural difference Believes that all humans have the same physical characteristics. Such common biological features mean that behaviour is recognisable across cultures. Believes that all humans share the same universal values and therefore that everyone shares the same cultural worldview. Bennett, 1993

Acceptance of cultural difference Recognises and accepts that own culture is just one of a number of equally complex worldviews. Is curious and respectful toward cultural difference. Bennett, 1993

Adaptation to cultural difference Empathy Has developed enough intercultural communication skills to adapt to difference and consciously shift into other perspectives. Pluralism Understands that difference should always be understood within the context of the relevant culture. Bennett, 1993

Integration of cultural difference Contextual Evaluation Able to manipulate multiple cultural frames of reference in evaluation of a situation. Constructive Marginality Identity is not primarily based on any one culture. Bennett, 1993

Discussion in pairs: At school Where are you now? Intercultural Sensitivity DEFENCE against cultural difference MINIMISATION of cultural difference ACCEPTANCE of cultural difference ADAPTATION to cultural difference INTEGRATION of cultural difference Bennett, 1993

Intercultural sensitivity in coaching Demonstrate appropriate curiosity about others Maintain a respectful attitude to the self-identified cultural groups of others Maintain a non-judgmental attitude to the self-identified cultural groups of others Demonstrate empathy when working with others van Nieuwerburgh, 2017

What to avoid (all the time!) Do not belittle the self-identified cultural group of a person Avoid discriminatory language or behaviour Do not allow cultural stereotypes to influence your perception of others Avoid making assumptions about the self- identified cultural group of a person May not be a compliment to tell someone that they are exotic. Or to be surprised by how fluent someone is in English. van Nieuwerburgh, 2017

Best practice in all coaching conversations Be clear about the purpose of coaching Follow a clear process that is shared with the coachee Commit explicitly to the principle of non-directivity Respect the role of the coachee as a decision-maker Regularly check the health of the coaching relationship N There is no “other” in a coaching conversation. van Nieuwerburgh, 2017

A question for you What will you do differently as a result of this discussion we’ve had today?

Christian van Nieuwerburgh 30th June 2017 Webinar 3: ‘Interculturally-sensitive coaching’ ANY QUESTIONS? Christian van Nieuwerburgh 30th June 2017

References Bennett, M. J. (1993). Towards ethnorelativism: A developmental model of intercultural sensitivity. In R.M. Paige (Ed.) Education for the Intercultural Experience. 2nd edition. Yarmouth, ME: Intercultural Press. 21-71. Schein, E. H. (2010). Organizational Culture and Leadership. 4th edition. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. Trompenaars, F. & Hampden-Turner, C. H. (2012). Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Diversity in Global Business. 3rd edition. London: Nicholas Brealey. van Nieuwerburgh, C. (2017). Interculturally-sensitive coaching. In T. Bachkirova, G. Spence & D. Drake (eds), The Sage Handbook of Coaching. London: Sage.

Relevant resources Intercultural Development Research Institute Web-based resource http://www.idrinstitute.org/page.asp?menu1=2&menu2=3 Philippe Rosinski Webinar https://vimeo.com/channels/1075780 Equality and human rights commission https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/equality-act/protected-characteristics “Interculturally-sensitive coaching” PDF of chapter See attachment

Christian van Nieuwerburgh 30th June 2017 Webinar 3: ‘Interculturally-sensitive coaching’ THANK YOU! Christian van Nieuwerburgh 30th June 2017