Placing Intelligence Behind Culture

Written By Stefanie Leiter

Cultural Intelligence is your secret superpower for navigating our interconnected world. It's the skill set that allows you to connect with people who have different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences than you. Think of it as a muscle you can build and strengthen. Research conducted in over 150 countries with more than 250,000 individuals shows that those with a higher CQ are better equipped to handle the complexities of our global society.

The Four Pillars of Cultural Intelligence

CQ isn't just one thing; it's a combination of four key capabilities that help you succeed in any multicultural setting.

  1. CQ Drive
    This is your motivation. It's the curiosity, confidence, and persistence you have when interacting with people from different cultures. Are you genuinely interested in learning about their world? Do you have the courage to step outside your comfort zone?

  2. CQ Knowledge
    This is your understanding. It's knowing how cultures are similar and how they differ. This isn't about memorizing every cultural norm in the world but rather understanding the foundational elements, like communication styles, values, and social etiquette.

  3. CQ Action
    This is your behavior. It's your ability to adapt your actions and communication style when you're in a multicultural situation. This could be as simple as changing the way you shake hands, or as complex as adjusting your leadership style to fit a new team.

  4. CQ Strategy
    This is your plan. It’s acknowledging your awareness and placing your ability to plan for multicultural interactions. There are many ways this co-exists with your communication plan based on your mission.

In today's world, CQ isn't just a "nice-to-have"—it's a necessity. Reach out for a free 30-minute consultation to see how your CQ will enhance your internal stakeholders.

Stefanie Leiter

My professional journey is rooted in strategic public relations, with a particular emphasis on proaction versus reaction. I believe that effective communication requires a deeper understanding of the impact on audience engagement. Recognizing the importance of global perspectives, I leverage my certification as a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) facilitator to integrate cross-cultural competency into all facets of my work, ensuring inclusive and impactful communication strategies.

My specialization in internal communications stems from a deep understanding of its critical role in organizational success. I am passionate about delivering tailored solutions that foster robust employee engagement, drive retention, and build resilient organizations prepared for potential crises. This includes developing proactive crisis communication plans that mitigate risk and maintain stakeholder trust. Furthermore, I contribute to leadership development by equipping leaders with the communication skills necessary to inspire and guide their teams.

In the academic sphere, I am dedicated to preparing the next generation of communication professionals. Through the implementation of client-based projects and interactive learning methodologies, I strive to bridge the gap between theory and practice. My goal is to equip students with the practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and ethical awareness necessary to thrive in a dynamic and competitive industry, empowering them to pursue fulfilling and purposeful careers.

StrengthsFinder Top 5: Discipline, Achiever, Context, Strategic, Learner

Enneagram: 2w1

https://shapingcommunication.com
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