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### The Importance of Cross-Cultural Competency

In her talk titled "The Importance of Cross Cultural Competency" at the Ruby Unconf 2018, Julia Hurrelmann explores the vital role that cultural understanding plays in the recruitment process and team dynamics. She underlines that effective communication is critical during interviews, especially in diverse settings where cultural differences can create barriers.

#### Key Points Discussed:
- **Impact Assessment of Candidates:** The common goal across various roles is to determine the potential impact a candidate can have. Traditional assessment methods like technical interviews and pair programming are mentioned, but the importance of communication in evaluating a candidate's capabilities is emphasized.

- **Communication Challenges:** Hurrelmann discusses how different cultural backgrounds can alter communication styles and perceptions. Factors such as body language, personal space, and age differences between the interviewer and candidate can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, nodding is not universally a sign of agreement, and personal space norms vary significantly across cultures.

- **Demographic Differences:** Age and cultural background disparities can create barriers during interviews. The speaker notes experiences from her travels that illustrate these differences in body language and personal interaction perceptions.

- **Cultural Influence on Personal Discussions:** The talk highlights how cultural norms shape discussions in interviews, particularly concerning personal backgrounds, achievements, and motivations. Some cultures may view job stability differently, affecting how candidates discuss their career histories, while others may emphasize collective efforts over individual achievements.

- **Adaptation and Environment:** Creating a comfortable environment for candidates can alleviate anxiety that stems from cultural differences. Hurrelmann stresses the importance of acknowledging discomfort as part of the adaptation process, which can ultimately enhance team dynamics and product development that resonates with a broader audience.

- **Encouragement of Open Dialogue:** The need for fostering an open dialogue around adaptation, experiences, and discomfort is emphasized. Hurrelmann calls for understanding these dynamics to enrich the interview process and team environments.

#### Conclusions and Takeaways:
- Participants are encouraged to embrace discomfort as a stepping stone towards growth and adaptation.
- An awareness of cultural nuances is essential when assessing candidates; it allows for a more accurate evaluation of their potential contributions.
- The discussion evolves towards understanding how cultures shape perceptions of achievement and motivation, stressing that diverse pathways to openness should be recognized during candidate evaluation.
- The talk concludes by urging viewers to reflect on how cultural differences influence perspectives on candidates and to maintain an openness to learning from these interactions.

Overall, Hurrelmann's presentation serves as a call to action for attendees to refine their approaches in welcoming diverse talents into their teams by understanding cultural communication intricacies and fostering inclusive environments.

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