169 - Facilitating with the Awareness of Cultural Background with Cynthia Umurungi (Part 2)

Cynthia Umurungi is a storyteller who gives a human voice to African organisations and businesses.Her voice is one I have wanted to share on this podcast for a long time - and not only because I have underrepresented voices of African heritage so far on this podcast. Cynthia’s work delicately combines storytelling and creativity with deep empathy and insights.In this episode, we explore the challenges of facilitating in a culture that isn’t your own, how team dynamics change across cultures, and how Western ideas of facilitation can falter in a non-Western workshop.Broaden your horizons with this incredibly insightful, energetic episode! Find out about:Why cultural undercurrents in the room will determine your workshop’s effectivenessHow to interpret shades of silence and find the thin line between thoughtful and tenseHow language and translation affect our sense of safetyThe need for openness and ‘no foolish questions’ when speaking in a second languageWhy clear language and expectations reduce your risk of unpleasant surprisesHow to use a ‘story wall’ to encourage creativity, sharing, and ice-breaking   Don’t miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.And download the free 1-page summary, so you can always have the key points of this episode to hand.Questions and AnswersPart two[00:54] Do you have a favourite exercise?[02:11] Do you use a lot of drawing and visual facilitation in your workshops?[04:41] What is your experience with inviting participants to fail and/or be imperfect?[07:18] Where do you find inspiration for your facilitation practice?[11:37] Do you find that participants are receptive to finding solutions themselves, or do they look to you for 'answers'?[18:34] Do we have to be more explicit about silence when we're working online?[21:39] How do we account for the power imbalance that comes when the context of colonialism pervades the room?[24:07] What would you consider your number one facilitation challenge?[31:13] What would be your wish for the future of facilitation on the African continent, and what would be your advice to facilitators who want to keep progressing on the continent?Connect to Cynthia:On LinkedInOn TwitterSupport the Show.**Click here to navigate through all episodes via this interactive podcast map.**If you're inspired by our podcast and crave similar conversations, consider joining Dr Myriam Hadnes' NeverDoneBefore Facilitation Community. **If you're keen to master the art of facilitation, discover our expert-led live, online Facilitation Courses at the NDB Academy. **If you enjoy the show, consider a one-off donation and contribute to the ongoing costs of running the podcast.