Actuality⁸⁵

At a time when allusions to the concepts of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are multiplying, and many organizations wish to implement concrete actions to foster a more inclusive work climate, it's not always easy to know which initiatives to turn to for further reflection. In this context, the development of intercultural agility represents a particularly interesting avenue, which enables us to approach diversity and inclusion in a compassionate manner and has the potential to generate tangible, long-term impacts.

Intercultural agility (also known as intercultural competence) is the ability to recognize and accept cultural differences on a deeper level, in order to adapt and navigate more easily in a multicultural context. It's about expanding our understanding of our own culture, to better understand the realities around us that are different from our own.

It's also an approach that allows us to consider culture in a broader sense. We can think of cultural differences linked to nationality and language, but also to several other dimensions that influence our cultural identity, such as ethnocultural groups, socio-economic status, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, academic and work experience, or even the place where we grew up.

We have all developed our intercultural agility at different levels depending on our life experiences (e.g., multicultural interactions, travel, exposure to cultural content) but it can also be developed in a more intentional way. Concretely, in an organizational context, the development of intercultural agility can take the form of group training and discussion sessions, but also of a more individualized approach, using scientifically validated tools that measure the level of intercultural sensitivity, such as the Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®).

Whether through group training or individualized support, this approach is based on the development of a balanced and nuanced perspective that aims to recognize differences between cultures, but also commonalities and similarities, while considering them on equal terms. If we don’t consider what we have in common, we risk falling into polarization, isolation, and lack of cooperation or cohesion. Intercultural agility therefore leads us to reflect on the similarities that bring us together and enable us to share a collective vision, collective values and common objectives, both in the workplace and in society. Conversely, without a profound recognition of differences, we risk denial, exclusion or cultural minimization: the gradual erosion of the particularities that define us and make our societies, communities, organizations and work teams rich, innovative, diverse, beautiful and human.

Over the past year, I've seen the benefits of this approach extend to my personal life. In January 2023, after several years of living in Montreal, I moved to Copenhagen, Denmark. Since then, although I can proudly say that I've mastered the art of lighting lots of candles, tasting cinnamon buns and getting around by bike in all kinds of weather, I'm still adapting to the challenges of living in a new country and navigating deeper cultural differences on a daily basis.

Throughout this experience, intercultural agility has helped me structure my thoughts on cultural differences and put feelings into words. For me, the contribution of intercultural agility and tools such as the IDI® thus also lies in the development of an analytical framework for all matters relating to cultural differences, both for past events and for future situations. This enables us to take a step back, which often proves highly beneficial for our interactions.

As part of my work, I have had the chance to witness first-hand the reflections, the awareness and the introspection that can emerge from this kind of approach. In both group training sessions and individualized sessions, one observation in particular often comes up: more than ever, we feel how much people need listening, empathy and connection. And when the focus is placed on developing intercultural agility, with an emphasis on the human side, on listening and vulnerability, a certain kind of magic happens.

In the words of Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist and author I like very much: “The best way to open people’s minds isn’t to argue with them. It’s to listen to them. When people feel understood, they become less defensive and more reflective – and develop less extreme, more nuanced views. Productive disagreements begin with curiosity, not persuasion.” (Grant, 2023, inspired by Itzchakov et al., 2023)

While many EDI-related initiatives are based on education and raising awareness, the development of intercultural agility is based on a more introspective approach, which first invites us to turn our gaze inward, to better understand our own culture and how our experiences have influenced the way we interact with differences. Gradually, this leads us to take a step back and develop our ability to understand cultural differences in depth, to fully accept them and know how to better adapt in a multicultural context.

At a time when our work environments reflect a rapidly evolving and increasingly complex society, we can feel overwhelmed by change. In this context, developing intercultural agility allows us to go back to basics, refocusing on interpersonal skills, empathy and listening. In other words, the EDI approach does not have to be moralizing or negative, which might generate guilt and resistance; it can (and it should) be rooted in a positive, human, non-judgmental and vulnerable approach.

Nada is a consulting firm specializing in diversity and inclusion management as well as climate change management. Nada's mission is to help build a society where people and nature are at the heart of prosperity and common well-being. Nada's services in diversity and inclusion include group training and discussion sessions on the theme of intercultural agility, as well as individualized support sessions aimed at developing intercultural competence using the Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI®), with a humane approach based on discussion, connection and listening. For more information, visit our website or contact us.

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