Reach for t’Sky

Season 1, Episode 14: Navigating a World of Difference

I was lucky enough to work at the European Space Agency early in my career. It was an incredible opportunity, not just because of the work itself, but because I was surrounded by people from all over Europe - French, German, Italian, and many others. I quickly realised that if I wanted to be effective, I needed to understand how to work with people who saw the world very differently from me.

Each culture brought its own unique approach to communication, decision-making, and even humour. For example, my German colleagues were direct and efficient, which I came to appreciate when deadlines were tight. My French counterparts often took a more nuanced approach, which encouraged me to look beyond the immediate task and consider the bigger picture. It was an eye-opening experience that taught me just how valuable cultural awareness can be in a team setting.

In an interconnected world, cultural awareness is essential. When we work with people from diverse backgrounds, we bring together a wealth of perspectives and skills that make us stronger as a whole. But it also requires us to adapt, to listen, and to sometimes challenge our own assumptions. Embracing cultural awareness doesn’t mean abandoning who we are - it means adding layers to our understanding, so we can communicate effectively and build stronger teams.

In a globalised workplace, our ability to respect and understand different cultural norms isn’t just a "nice to have"; it’s a critical skill. It fosters collaboration, prevents misunderstandings, and ultimately leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.