Workshop on Cultural Sensitivity

1. Workshop on Cultural Sensitivity 25 July 2003 Presented by Elizabeth Exposto Office of the President Media Relations Advisor

2. Introduction • Know your counterpart • Background knowledge • Reality sensitivity • Political sensitivity • Right Attitude • Belonging • Encouragement • Language • Body language • Dress code • Appropriate behaviour • Resolving problems • Plan together, work together • Parting thoughts • Conclusion

3. Know your counterpart • Know their name • Ask about their families • Listen to their history, their struggle, in particular 1999 • Know their cultural roots

4. Background knowledge • Crucial that advisor possesses sound knowledge of Timor-Leste’s history, in particular its recent history as this may affect their working patterns/abilities • Be aware of important religious and historical dates, events etc. • Be aware of existing different ethno-linguistic groups

5. Reality Sensitivity • Appreciate the difficult conditions that Timorese are experiencing & how this affects their working pattern • Financial • Trauma • Health/Nutrition • Family situation • Social/ Cultural transitions • Unreliable transport system

6. Political sensitivity • Refrain from getting involved in local politics • Always maintain a neutral position • Don’t bring your differences to the Timorese

7. Right Attitude • Don’t come with a “know it all attitude” • Be prepared to learn from your counterpart • Respect them and treat them as equals • Show commitment • Be patient • Never promise what you cannot deliver • Must be flexible

8. Belonging • Make them feel that they belong, that they are part of the team • Always use the word ‘we” rather than “you” or “I’ • Acknowledge and praise work well done • Always explain any changes made • Be supportive of them and other staff

9. Encouragement • Encourage them to take initiatives • Encourage them to take the leading role • If they make mistakes, try again • Always maintain an open line of communication • Encourage their feedback, input • Encourage them to attend and participate in meetings

10. Language • Make an effort to learn Tetun • Use polite forms (“ita”, not “o”) • Speak softly • Avoid being too direct

11. Body language • Always be humble • Always smile • No hands on hips • Don’t put hands in pockets • Don’t cross your arms • Don’t stare • Don’t look out of the corner of your eyes

12. Dress code • Dress to suit the institution you work in • Advisors are considered to be professional so dress accordingly

13. Appropriate Behaviour • Advisors must always set an example not just by words but also by deeds • Practice what you preach • Be honest

14. Resolving problems • Face the problem and try to resolve it immediately • Don’t raise your voice in front of other staff • Be frank and put your issue on the table • Always explain the bigger picture • Don’t assume that they don’t know • Share responsibility for mistakes

15. Plan together, Work together • Need to create a structured working environment • Collaborate on a work plan in a language understood by the counterpart • Have regular meetings • Regular pre-briefings and de-briefings • Celebrate achievements together • Need to establish clear rules, guidelines, policies together

16. Parting thoughts • Learn from your counterpart • Know your role as the adviser • Be patient, you may have to repeat many times • Be able to let go • Pre-briefing • De-briefing

17. Conclusion Remember the key to success is the ability to transfer your knowledge. You can do this by remembering CO-PAT • Communication • Commitment • Patience