Veruska Anconitano

Make sure to recognize and address conflicts as soon as they arise. Ignoring them can lead to escalation and affect team morale. If necessary, involve a neutral third party for mediation. This can help provide an unbiased perspective and facilitate a resolution.

Organize regular diversity and inclusion training sessions. These should educate employees about different cultures, biases, and the importance of inclusivity in the workplace. Also, encourage and support the formation of employee resource groups. These groups can provide a sense of community and belonging for underrepresented employees.

Prioritize listening to your team members with full attention. This means not just hearing their words, but also understanding their perspectives and feelings. Active listening demonstrates respect and validates their contributions. On top of this, always ensure that your communication is clear and straightforward. This involves being concise and direct, yet considerate, in your speech and written communication. Avoid ambiguity that could lead to misunderstandings or confusion.

Set aside regular times, perhaps weekly or bi-weekly, specifically for self-reflection. Treat this as a critical part of your managerial responsibilities. During these sessions, think back on your recent interactions with team members and the decisions you've made. Consider both significant decisions and everyday interactions. Look for patterns in your behavior. Are there certain team members you tend to agree with more often? Do you allocate opportunities or challenging tasks to some more than others? Reflect on whether these patterns are influenced by the team members' backgrounds, appearances, or beliefs. This exercise is a great way to identify biases and plan specific actions to address them

Take time to know your clients on a personal level. Understand their interests, values, and business goals. Personalized interactions show that you value them not just as clients but as individuals. Top this with becoming someone they can rely on. Whether it’s promptly responding to queries or being proactive in addressing potential issues, reliability is key to building lasting trust.

In international settings, where language barriers might exist, it's important to communicate in a clear, concise, and jargon-free manner. This ensures that your message is understood correctly and reduces the chances of miscommunication. This also implies tailoring your communication style to align with the client's cultural norms. Understanding and respecting these nuances can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your communication.