Isiahs comments highlight the divergence in culture and privilege between him and Nikki.How can Nikki bridge these differences to establish a working partnership with Isiah?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
To bridge the cultural and privilege differences between her and Isiah, Nikki can engage in active listening, show cultural humility, and seek common goals to build mutual respect and trust.
Explanation (300 words):
Nikki and Isiah come from different cultural backgrounds and experiences of privilege. Isiah’s comments reflect this divide, possibly highlighting feelings of being misunderstood, overlooked, or marginalized. For Nikki to establish a strong and effective partnership with Isiah, she must first acknowledge these differences rather than ignore them. Cultural humility—not assuming her perspective is universal—is a key starting point. This involves recognizing her own biases and being open to learning from Isiah’s lived experiences.
Active listening is essential. Nikki should give Isiah space to express his views without judgment or defensiveness. This means paying attention to not just his words, but also his tone and emotions. Responding with empathy can help Isiah feel heard and valued. For instance, instead of countering his frustrations, Nikki can validate his feelings by saying, “I hear that your experiences have been different, and I want to understand them better.”
Building a working partnership also requires identifying shared goals. By focusing on common objectives—such as the success of a project, community well-being, or organizational improvement—Nikki and Isiah can move from a space of difference to one of collaboration. When both parties feel their voices matter in achieving these goals, cooperation becomes more organic.
Finally, Nikki must also be willing to share power. Privilege often grants unspoken influence, and Nikki should be aware of how her actions or decisions might unintentionally marginalize Isiah. She can work toward inclusive decision-making processes that give both of them equal say and ownership in their work.
In summary, by listening deeply, demonstrating humility, seeking shared goals, and balancing power dynamics, Nikki can bridge cultural and privilege gaps and form a respectful and productive partnership with Isiah.