On March 5, we hosted an engaging and insightful panel discussion on Culturally Intelligent Communication in Manufacturing, featuring industry experts Briana Doucet and Lisa D’Amore. Moderated by Dr. Meagan Pollock, the conversation explored the essential role of communication in diverse workplaces, practical strategies for fostering inclusion, and the leadership skills necessary for navigating cross-cultural interactions.
This blog post provides the recording, a recap of the discussion, key takeaways, actionable recommendations, additional resources, and a reflection guide to continue the conversation in your own teams.
Women in STEM Panels
Our panel discussion on Culturally Intelligent Communication in Manufacturing brought to light the challenges and opportunities of fostering inclusive workplaces. Briana Doucet and Lisa D’Amore shared firsthand experiences and expert insights, while Dr. Meagan Pollock guided the conversation with thought-provoking questions.
One of the standout moments came when Briana emphasized the importance of intentional listening, sharing how a simple shift in approach can transform workplace interactions. Lisa highlighted the role of psychological safety, illustrating with a compelling example of a company that saw significant improvements in teamwork after implementing structured communication training. Meagan reinforced the need for accountability by echoing Lisa D’Amore’s powerful statement: “The culture of an organization is defined by the worst behavior it tolerates.” This serves as a critical reminder that leadership is not just about setting expectations but also about ensuring they are upheld.
Together, they explored strategies for improving communication, from adapting messaging for different audiences to leveraging digital tools for greater accessibility. The discussion underscored that culturally intelligent communication is not just a skill—it’s a leadership imperative that drives inclusion, innovation, and success.
Meet the Panelists
Briana Doucet
Cintas
Briana Doucet is an IT SAP Analyst at Cintas and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt with a background in manufacturing and service industries. A servant leader and Distinguished Communicator, she leverages her Industrial Engineering degree from Louisiana State University to drive business results through logical decision-making and collaborative problem-solving.
Lisa D'Amore
CADIA
Lisa D’Amore is the Vice President of DEI at CADIA, where she helps organizations design and implement strategic DEI programs and leads CADIA’s Accelerator DEI Certification Program. With 30 years of experience in manufacturing and certifications in Six Sigma and DEI, Lisa combines her expertise in process design, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis to foster organizational growth.
Watch the Panel
Being a culturally intelligent leader means being curious, courageous, and committed—curious enough to learn, courageous enough to have the tough conversations, and committed enough to follow through.
Lisa D'Amore
Culturally intelligent communication means being able to adapt and listen to other perspectives. It’s about immersing yourself in another person’s experience to truly understand them.
Briana Doucet
Recaps & Resources
- What does culturally intelligent communication mean to you, and why is it essential?
- How have you seen cultural diversity impact communication within teams or organizations?
- What are some common barriers to effective communication in a diverse workplace, and how do you address them?
- Can you share a specific example of how you’ve adapted your communication style to connect with a diverse team or audience?
- What tools, techniques, or approaches have you found most effective for fostering inclusive communication in manufacturing and beyond?
- Can you share a time when your communication skills helped resolve a conflict or improve team dynamics in a culturally diverse setting?
- What role does feedback play in fostering culturally intelligent communication, and how do you model it as a leader?
- What advice would you give to leaders or professionals who want to improve their cultural intelligence and communication skills?
- What can organizations do to prioritize and support culturally intelligent communication at all levels?
1. Cultural Intelligence Goes Beyond Borders
Cultural diversity isn’t just about international teams—it exists within regions, generations, and even job roles within the same company.
Understanding local cultural norms, workplace habits, and communication preferences helps create inclusive environments.
2. Empathy is the Foundation of Effective Communication
Culturally intelligent leaders put themselves in others’ shoes to foster deeper connections.
Simple gestures, like acknowledging different perspectives and adjusting communication styles, can bridge gaps in understanding.
3. Psychological Safety is Essential
Employees perform best when they feel safe, heard, and valued.
Leaders should encourage open dialogue, allow for mistakes, and actively create inclusive spaces for conversation.
4. Adaptability is a Key Leadership Skill
Strong leaders remain flexible in their communication approach, ensuring that their messages are accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.
Using different formats—verbal, written, visual—accommodates varying communication styles.
Actively Learn About Different Cultures
- Engage in continuous learning through books, podcasts, and personal interactions.
- Be mindful that colleagues should not be expected to educate others about their culture—self-initiated learning is key.
Be Curious, Courageous, and Committed
- Approach differences with curiosity rather than judgment.
- Be willing to have uncomfortable conversations and make necessary adjustments.
- Commit to ongoing improvement rather than one-time efforts.
Prioritize Psychological Safety
- Ensure all employees feel valued and included.
- Create environments where people can give and receive feedback without fear of retribution.
Hold Yourself and Others Accountable
- The culture of an organization is defined by the worst behavior it tolerates.
- Set clear expectations for respectful and inclusive communication.
Listening with Intent: Use the LISTEN framework—Learn, Inquire, Synthesize, Translate, Empathize, and Navigate—to guide inclusive conversations.
Adapting Communication Styles: Some employees prefer direct communication, while others need a more nuanced approach. Recognizing and adjusting for these differences enhances team cohesion.
Leveraging Visual and Digital Tools: In manufacturing, many workers may not have regular email access, so utilizing bulletin boards, QR codes, and short shift meetings can improve information dissemination.
Encouraging Transparent Feedback: Providing immediate, constructive feedback fosters a culture of improvement and collaboration.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity: Instead of merely accommodating differences, organizations should highlight and celebrate them as a strength.
- How does cultural diversity impact communication within your organization?
- What are some specific barriers to effective communication you’ve encountered, and how were they addressed?
- How can you adapt your communication style to be more inclusive?
- In what ways can your organization better support psychological safety?
- What steps can leaders take to ensure accountability in fostering inclusive workplaces?
Resources
- What is Culturally Intelligent Communication? Introducing the LISTEN Framework
- A Practical Tool for Better Dialogue: LISTEN Protocol
- Active Listening: Shifting from Kindness to Empathy
- How to Receive Feedback (with Cultural Intelligence)
- How to Plan Feedback (By Prioritizing Inclusion)
- Navigating the Depths of Feedback: A Fresh Sea-Inspired Approach
- What is the best type of feedback?
Conclusion
Culturally intelligent communication is not just about avoiding misunderstandings—it’s about building environments where everyone can thrive. Leaders who prioritize adaptability, empathy, and inclusivity set the stage for stronger teams, better collaboration, and enhanced business outcomes.
We encourage you to continue the conversation using this reflection guide, explore additional resources on inclusive leadership, and implement strategies that foster culturally intelligent workplaces.
