Develop cultural intelligence

- We just explored how to communicate inclusively, so let's build on it with a discussion on developing cultural intelligence. In my work, I find that too many managers were promoted to people leadership roles simply because they were great at managing projects, programs, and processes. But effective leadership demands more than just technical expertise or management skills. Leaders must navigate diverse environments, collaborate across cultures, and understand the nuances of different perspectives in order to foster inclusive and innovative workplaces. This necessity has given rise to the concept of cultural intelligence, also called CQ. Ever heard of it? What does this term mean to you? Pause the video and jot down your definition. (bright music) Cultural intelligence is the ability to function effectively in culturally diverse settings. It goes beyond mere cultural awareness. It involves the capability to adapt behaviors, communication styles, and decision-making approaches to suit diverse cultural context. Leaders with a high CQ can foster inclusive environments, enhance team performance, and drive innovation by leveraging the collective strengths of diverse perspectives. Failure to demonstrate these behaviors can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, disengagement, and decrease productivity. Therefore, developing cultural intelligence has become imperative for leaders aiming to thrive in today's diverse and dynamic landscape. So how do you develop this important skill? I've been working on this skill for a few years, and please know that it is an ongoing process that involves self-awareness, education, curiosity, and adaptation. Here's some practices that have worked for me. I started with my own self-awareness journey to understand my cultural biases, values, and communication styles. I reflected on my upbringing, how was I socialized, the messages that I heard, and experiences that I had growing up, recognizing that these factors influence the way I see the world today as well as my behaviors. Two, I proactively sought to understand the cultural backgrounds, such as customs, beliefs, communication styles, and values of my team members, my peers, and senior leaders. And I got educated by attending training programs on cultural competence. I traveled to more than 30 countries working while learning about various countries and cultures, their views of time and relationships, power and authority, emotional expressions, team dynamics, family structure, and so much more. Third, I embrace diverse perspectives and experimented with different leadership styles, recognizing that what works in one cultural setting may not be effective in another. By engaging in my own learning journey, I have come to appreciate that having a high cultural intelligence can be a bridge to working more inclusively across cultures, building deeper connections, and driving organizational success. I learned a lot about myself. I made many adjustments to my thinking and my behaviors, and today, the journey continues. How about you? Where are you at on your journey to becoming more culturally intelligent? Start with number one that I just listed, self-discovery about where you are and how you're learning, and what messages and experiences shape your views today. Write out two actions that you're going to take over the next 30 days to enhance your level of cultural intelligence. Use the notebook feature to capture your thoughts.