The world has grown more interconnected than it has ever been. Given the rise of various techniques such as mobile phones, the internet, and even social media, it’s nearly impossible not to presume so.
We witness people of many ethnicities and backgrounds strolling through our neighborhoods, often leaving cultural traces in their tracks, whether physically or virtually. Some activities may pique our interest, while others we can’t help but dislike—all because they’re different and unfamiliar to us.
Cultural intelligence is undoubtedly something we should all think about in a world when cross-cultural exposure has become the norm.
What is cultural intelligence’s role in a leader’s effectiveness?
To be productive, everyone, especially leaders, needs Cultural Quotient (CQ). CQ is an essential factor to consider in today’s very globalized environment when the capacity to connect to international ties is valued highly. It’s an important feature that enables us to make strategic use of our cultural differences to develop better solutions.
Always remember that Cultural Quotient and Emotional Quotient are different. Where emotional intelligence leaves off, cultural intelligence picks up. EQ enables a person to recognize and act on their own and others’ emotions. On the other hand, CQ allows one to comprehend a foreigner’s behavior better and determine whether it is broadly accepted for their culture or unique to the outsider.
We’ve been told for years that IQ is vital for success. We need to fix this. Yes, intelligence is still crucial, but it isn’t and shouldn’t be our end-all. As workers in the twenty-first century, we must be reminded of how the paradigm has evolved dramatically. It’s no longer just about academic accomplishments. Instead, it’s about our ability to feel—to comprehend individuals and their motivations. CQ enables us to communicate more effectively with strangers, regardless of the cultural divides and barriers that separate us.
“Individuals who have a strong ability to empathize and relate to people in their own cultures might find the same empathetic and social skills get them nowhere when interacting with someone from a different cultural background.”
David Livermore
