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The Impact of Hidden Struggles
I'm Kipp Kahlia. All of us have — at some point — misjudged someone because we had no idea of what they were going through. I once knew a woman who became furious and insulting with me for no good reason. I thought she was rude and difficult, and resolved to stay out of her way. But when I saw her a day later, she asked to speak to me. She told me that the previous day had been the anniversary of her sister’s gruesome death — at the hands of their older brother. That information completely changed my perception of her. Without it, I would have still been avoiding her, even today.
We all have some hidden wounds and/or challenges we’d rather not discuss; we also have different cultural histories that can lead to misinterpretations of our behavior. In some cultures, people have been taught that keeping the eyes downcast when greeting someone is a sign of respect. In other cultures, it’s more likely to be viewed as shifty and suspicious. Internationally different styles of upbringing can lead to lots of confusion and faulty assumptions among us.
- Kipp Kahlia
The Increasingly Diverse Workplace
Today’s workplace is more diverse than ever. When people stopped needing horses and ships to travel, we began to do a LOT more moving around. The practice of traveling long distances for work or relationships has become the new normal. Intrepid explorers are no longer the only ones who travel to distant lands and settle; if there’s an incredible job opportunity for us in Italy, we want to go to Italy.
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The power of Collaboration
The aforementioned cultural and ethnic differences can enrich us if we let them. Quite often, they are the main drivers behind brilliant innovation. The continuing evolution of human beings and how we live relies upon them. When people of different origins work together, amazing things can happen. We see that particular scenario being played out daily, everywhere in the world.
Learning from History
How, then, can we benefit from these differences? In my talks, I often touch upon different historical events that have influenced the trajectory of various different cultures. I’ve seen that just a tiny glimpse into what life might be like — for someone else — can inspire us to re-examine our narrow-minded perceptions and beliefs about other people. We become easier about things. More flexible. We’re more inclined to give the benefit of the doubt when something goes wrong. We’re more apt to recognize someone else as an ally, instead of just “Other.”
A century ago (when forms of transportation were quite primitive}, we automatically viewed the people who lived on the other side of the hill, or across the river, or down in the valley — as enemies. We haven’t progressed THAT much: we still find far-fetched reasons to fight against one another. We often seem to truly relish “separateness,” even when it clearly does not serve us (or anyone else).
- Kipp Kahlia
Testimonials
I want to thank Kipp for coming to our Club sites and providing a motivational talk to our high school members. The teens that Kipp spoke to hadn't been exposed to a motivational talk like this before, and they said they really, really, really liked it."
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Philip Redd
Director of Programs and Clubhouses for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, CA
Hear what our Coordinators & Directors have to say
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LEYLA MEDINA
MIDDLE SCHOOL COORDINATOR AT EASTMAN FAIRFIELD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
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REGGIE MONTEZ
CLUB DIRECTOR FOR PETRLANE BOYS & GIRLS
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JONAE GEORGE
MIDDLE SCHOOL COORDINATOR FOR PETROLANE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
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CHILON WOODARD
MIDDLE SCHOOL COORDINATOR AT EASTMAN FAIRFIELD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
The Case for an Open Mind
My reasons for motivational speaking include a desire for us to consider the benefits that can come from associating with people who are different from those we’ve become accustomed to.
Biddy Mason said, “If you hold your hand closed, nothing good can come in.
The open hand is blessed, for it gives in abundance, even as it receives.”
When I speak, I encourage the listener — and myself! — to open our minds. We can do so cautiously, but our collective growth and progress depend on an open mind. We want humans who make valuable and creative contributions to the workplace.