Can Cultural Competence be Taught?

Can we really learn cultural competence as adults? With all the complexities of life in a down economy and fears about job security, can we really spend valuable time and energy learning to be "competent"?

The simple answer is, yes. We can learn to pause as we feel the color of bias wash over our thoughts when we begin to feel the usual twinge of frustration. Later, we can ask ourselves where these feelings come from, and we can begin to dig further to find the true sources of our anguish. In terms of gaining knowledge about other people, we can make an effort to learn about other people and places. And, lastly, we can be deliberate about how we speak and listen by learning effective communication skills. What is key to all of these endeavors is an essential spirit of openness, a desire to learn about ourselves and our triggers while learning about others.

Competence is an ongoing unfolding of our true capacities. It takes time and work, and the process doesn't end. As we become more comfortable, confident, and proficient in our dealings with others in varieties of situations, we feel a sense of success and satisfaction. This success will beget more success in ever challenging situations. Sure, we will make mistakes, as will others. But, we'll have the skills to recoup and move on; we'll learn more about our own abilities.

Cultural competence teaches us these valuable skills of self-knowledge, knowledge about others, and key interpersonal skills that allow us to express ourselves, learn, and work effectively in an ever changing work environment.

This essential skill set can be taught. It's never too late to begin the process of becoming more effective.