We’re All Scared of the Same Things…or Are We? Emotional Differences Across Cultures
People across all cultures have a universal way of expressing 7 key emotions. But that doesn’t mean culture doesn’t play an important role.
Read MoreUnconscious Bias on Campus: Yes, it’s Real
Coupled with CQ, there is a very real need for Unconscious Bias training - especially in education.
Read MoreCultural Intelligence and the Afro-centric Worldview
Guest Post by Buhle Dlamini Africa has some of the fastest growing economies in the world right now. Forget the news headline like “Ebola in West Africa”, and “Violent Militants in Africa”. The reality is that these challenges…
Read MoreRespect Is Not Enough
Most every time I speak on cultural intelligence, someone asks "Isn't this basically a matter of respect? If we would learn to respect each other as fellow human beings, most of our intercultural conflicts would go away." Yes and no.…
Read MoreA Culturally Intelligent Way of Handling the Elephant in the Room
I’ve always been a fan of directly addressing the elephant in the room.[1] I don’t enjoy conflict but I loathe avoiding it even more. In this way, I’m terminally a New Yorker. Don’t dance around the issues. Shoot straight…
Read MoreDon’t Treat Your Customers the Way You Want to be Treated
--Guest post by Julie Slagter with David Livermore If you have culturally diverse customers (and hopefully you do), consider adding the following to your customer service training manual: “Don’t treat customers the way you want to be treated”. This may…
Read MoreCulturally Intelligent Chit-Chat
Sometimes we spend so much time deliberating the ideal skills for cross-border negotiation and intercultural communication that we overlook one of the most important ones—small talk! What you say during a formal interview or meeting is important. But your overall…
Read MoreWhy You Shouldn't Adapt to Other Cultures
Cultural intelligence doesn’t mean being a cultural chameleon. Sometimes when I attempt a Japanese bow, I notice my Japanese counterpart extending her arm to shake my hand. It's a bit like a middle-aged adult trying to act, dress, and talk…
Read MoreWhat's Indian Culture? A dive into domestic diversity
--Guest post by Anindita Banerjee, a Certified CQ Facilitator and head of cross-cultural training at Renaissance Strategic Consultants If you’re starting to work with a group in India, can you get by with a basic understanding of South Asians or do you need…
Read MoreAssessing CQ by how people talk
I’m constantly observing the way individuals’ cultural intelligence (CQ) comes through in their verbal interactions. I don’t mean whether they’re knowledgeable about many different cultures. I’m talking about whether they actually adjust the way they speak in light of the…
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