What is Cultural Humility?

Anthea Nelson, PhD

Cultural humility is not something you check off a list—it is a lifelong practice of openness, curiosity, and respect toward the diverse experiences of others. Unlike cultural competence, which can suggest that one appreciates another culture, cultural humility emphasizes continuous learning and self-reflection. It invites us to examine our own assumptions, to notice how cultural imprintings shape relationships, and to approach others with a genuine willingness to learn.

At its core, cultural humility grows through three essential practices:

1. Multicultural Awareness

It begins by recognizing that culture influences every aspect of human life—our values, traditions, communication styles, and even our sense of time and belonging. Developing multicultural awareness means learning to see the richness of these differences and to acknowledge how they shape both connection and misunderstanding. It also means becoming mindful of systemic inequities and the ways they impact people’s lived experiences.

2. A Sense of Equanimity

Equanimity brings balance into practice. It allows us to stay centered when our assumptions are challenged, and to meet differences without defensiveness. Equanimity is not indifference—it is a steady openness that makes it possible to listen deeply, to hold multiple perspectives, and to respond thoughtfully. This inner balance is the soil where trust and authentic dialogue can grow.

3. Inclusion

Inclusion moves beyond “making space” for difference into truly honoring and valuing it. It is about sharing power, co-creating environments where every voice can be heard, and making decisions that reflect collective wisdom rather than individual control. Practicing inclusion means letting go of the need to be right and choosing instead to build belonging.

Shaping Personal and Professional Development

Cultural humility can transform not only how you relate to others, but how you develop yourself. In your personal growth, it invites you to stay curious, to ask questions, and to be willing to see where your blind spots may be. In your professional development, it becomes a guiding principle that deepens empathy, sharpens awareness, and fosters more effective communication across differences.

Leading with Cultural Humility

Leadership rooted in cultural humility shifts the culture of projects, collaborations, and communities. When you lead with humility, you model openness instead of certainty, listening instead of dominating, and inclusion instead of exclusivity. This type of leadership strengthens trust, sparks creativity, and builds resilience—because people feel seen, valued, and safe to contribute.

Cultural humility is not a skill you acquire once—it is a lifelong practice. When cultivated through multicultural awareness, equanimity, and inclusion, it becomes a way of being that shapes both who you are and how you lead. In today’s interconnected world, it is not just an individual virtue but a collective necessity for connection, collaboration, and community.