October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, a time to recognize and appreciate the cultures, traditions, and perspectives that make up our world. As a global company, it’s important that we embrace the diverse backgrounds of our people so we can take more meaningful steps toward building a more inclusive, innovative, and successful company.

Last month, our Learning & Development team spotlighted how to embrace a global mindset and shared many resources with our employees. Here are a few of the things we learned and ways we can embrace a global mindset:

1. Gain self-awareness. Become aware of your own culture and biases. You might only realize you carry biases once you examine your perspectives.

2. Be curious. To quote a line from Ted Lasso: “Be curious, not judgmental.” If you don’t understand something, instead of judging, ask questions. When we ask questions, it opens our minds to new perspectives.

3. Be flexible and open-minded. If a colleague in Europe does something different, be open to the new way of working. Neither way is wrong; it’s just different.

4. Practice. Take every opportunity to learn something new about someone, whether it’s speaking their language, learning about their culture, or trying their food. The more you practice and learn, the more your mindset will grow.

To learn more about Global Diversity Awareness Month, visit The Diversity Movement.

This month, L&P teams across North America will walk together in the Susan G. Komen’s More Than Pink Walk, raising funds for breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.

Throughout October, we are sharing stories from our team members on how breast cancer has affected their lives.

Meet Jennifer Birch, who works in IT in Carthage, MO. We asked Jen about her experience with breast cancer and why L&P’s support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation is meaningful.