What is the IDI and how can it be useful?

The Intercultural Development Inventory is a tool that provides a snapshot of beliefs and behaviors regarding cultural differences and commonalities. It can be useful in learning about diversity because it can prompt personal reflection about how we perceive ourselves and our actual development. It is interesting that I may view myself one way, but in reality am behaving in another way.  This is important because my actual developmental orientation will impact interactions with students and colleagues. I overestimated my intercultural competence and found that surprising. I am eager to learn what I can do to close that gap. The important notion is that there is room for learning and growth.