Beyond Xenophobia: Building the Intercultural Team | Orson Horchler | TEDxThorntonAcademy

Summary

The speaker shares experiences of working with immigrants in a construction crew, highlighting the challenges and joys of overcoming language barriers and cultural differences. Through stories of learning to communicate and collaborate despite limited common language, the talk emphasizes the importance of creating intercultural spaces where diverse backgrounds can exchange and learn from each other. It addresses the misconceptions and fears associated with cultural encounters and calls for a shared responsibility to support and understand immigrants, acknowledging the bravery and risks they take to be part of a new community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Communication can be simple even without a common language, relying on gestures and body language.
• 👷 Hiring and working with someone from a different cultural background can be challenging but rewarding.
• 🌐 The importance of learning and adapting to new cultural norms and behaviors in a multicultural work environment.
• 📚 The speaker's experience with an Albanian worker who learned one English word per weekend, illustrating gradual progress in communication.
• 🎶 Collaboration in a band and art projects despite language barriers, showcasing the power of shared experiences and creativity.
• 🌍 The diversity of the team members, hailing from various countries, and the value of their unique perspectives and ideas.
• 🤝 The strong bond formed among team members who become a 'family' in the absence of a support network in a new country.
• 🏗️ The acknowledgment that cultural behaviors are often misunderstood, leading to workplace challenges when not properly addressed.
• 🧐 The distinction between xenophobia as fear of the foreign and the discomfort that arises from cultural encounters.
• 🏢 The need for leaders and companies to understand and embrace cultural differences to create a supportive work environment.
• 🌈 The concept of an 'intercultural space' where all cultures can exchange and learn from one another, fostering understanding and growth.

Q & A

What was the initial communication challenge between the speaker and the 66-year-old Albanian worker?

The initial communication challenge was the language barrier, as the worker knew only four words of English. The speaker had to use Google Translate or made-up sign language to assign tasks.

How did the speaker's perception of the Albanian worker change over time?

The speaker's perception changed when the worker learned to say 'yes' in English and they started working together effectively, even forming a band and working on street art projects.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Orson yes Orson' in the script?

The phrase signifies the Albanian worker's first learned word of English, which was 'yes', and it also highlights the cultural difference in understanding affirmative responses between English and Albanian.

How does the speaker describe the experience of working with a multicultural crew?

The speaker describes it as a strong bond that allows the crew to support each other in times of need and perform better than any crew they've ever been a part of.

What advice does the speaker give to companies having issues with immigrant workers?

The speaker advises companies to understand that much of their behavior is cultural and to be open to learning about and adapting to the cultural differences of their immigrant workers.

Why did the speaker initially consider firing the Albanian worker?

The speaker considered firing the Albanian worker due to the communication difficulties and the stress it caused, feeling that they could not work together effectively.

What is the speaker's view on the term 'xenophobia' in the current political climate?

The speaker views 'xenophobia' as a term that is often used for character assassination and to tarnish someone's reputation, rather than a genuine fear of the foreign.

How does the speaker define an 'intercultural space'?

An intercultural space, according to the speaker, is a place where all cultures can exchange and learn from one another, confronting and discussing cultural differences openly.

What is the importance of the leader in an intercultural crew according to the speaker?

The leader of an intercultural crew is crucial in taking on the role of an older brother, educating about the host culture, and fostering an environment where cultural exchange can occur.

What challenges does the speaker face in creating a safe space for migrants?

The challenges include dealing with cultural misunderstandings, confronting personal biases, and managing the discomfort that comes with cultural exchange and learning.

How does the speaker address the issue of cultural shock and discomfort in the workplace?

The speaker addresses it by creating an intercultural space where discomfort is shared, cultural differences are discussed, and mutual understanding and respect are fostered.