Emily
Clawson
Specialist, Intercultural Competence and Diversity & Inclusion Training
Peace Corps
D'Lynn
Jacobs
Specialist, Intercultural Competence and Diversity & Inclusion Training
Peace Corps

Approaching Differences with Intercultural Competency: The Self-Other-Bridge Model

In this session, participants will be introduced to a three-part framework of approaching difference.  As we go about our lives and work days, we may be exposed to ideas, people, and ways of being that are new or different than our previous experience.  How do we affirm our own values and experiences when engaging with values and experiences that may not align?  The Self-Other-Bridge model empowers individuals to practice a mode of engagement that involves critical self-reflection, perspective-taking, and dynamic collaboration.  By modeling this approach as leaders in the workplace, and encouraging staff to model it as well, we can create work environments that foster intercultural competence and productive engagement across difference.

Participants will:

  • Explore multiple ways of engaging with difference
  • Engage with a simple three-part framework that can be applied immediately
  • Practice applying the framework to a current workplace situation