WREN Stories: Considering Cultural Intelligence

Miriam Blackburn, a Practice Development Nurse in the Acute Inpatient Service, reflects on culture and how it can shape interactions with others.

Last year I was invited to attend a taster session on Cultural Intelligence (CQ). Honestly, I had never heard the term before and had no idea what to expect. I showed up, clueless but curious. I did not think the day would have the impact it did.

The day was facilitated by an incredible woman who engaged the room and truly spoke with passion. I found the first part of the day very challenging on a personal level. Never had I truly considered what was meant by “culture” and ultimately, how do I define my culture. Needless to say, I struggled. I hear other people speaking about their culture, organisational culture, and youth culture for example – but to pick it apart, understand it and define it? I couldn’t begin to articulate it.

I had not considered some things that are included in “culture” such as age differences, where we have worked, our hobbies and how we spend our time. These are aspects of who we are and how we behave, and how we can feel included or excluded based upon these.

As the day progressed, I gained some understanding of what is meant by culture and what can influence this. How our culture can influence our perceptions of other people’s behaviour and also how we interact with each other or respond to certain feelings, such as grief. I am not alone in saying there were many light bulb moments for those of us who attended – many of them quite difficult.

I reflected throughout the day on how differences in culture impact on the world we live and work within. There are many situations I think back to and wonder if I would have behaved differently with the awareness I gained during the session. One example, on a low level, was my open door policy as a leader on a ward. I was absolutely sure this was the best way to let everyone know I was available, but if that is not the organisational culture you have come from, rather one of formal hierarchy, this may actually not be helpful at all and could feel quite uncomfortable. There are so many incidents and interactions I have since reflected on and wondered, what could I have done differently? This is with colleagues and patients alike. How I may have judged someone’s reactions and behaviours based on my social norms, based on my culture.

I left the day holding on to some difficult reflections, a lot of realisations and importantly, feeling inspired. I wanted to come away and learn more, change my behaviour and my understanding of the people I work alongside. One day will not get me there, but being open, listening and learning every day will help.

Recently I have heard the experiences of BAME staff on a personal level, the impact of the inequalities and racism on individuals and the lasting effects this has had. I know as a white woman, I will never fully understand these experiences but I will always listen and support people to feel able to speak up and will keep being that ally that amplifies their voices and supports them to be heard. My increased knowledge of culture and how my culture fits into its broader context has given me the awareness to consider different elements of an individual and to have a fuller appreciation for our differences.