Culturally intelligent leadership

Cultural intelligence is the ability to interact effectively across cultures.

In this video, we hear from Professor David Thomas from the University of Victoria who explains cultural intelligence, why it’s important and how we can develop it.

As Professor David Thomas explains in the video, one way to develop cultural intelligence is through experiences with other cultures. It’s also important to reflect on these experiences.

What can managers do to help employees?

Managers and leaders may wish to provide training and coaching to their team. Training shouldn’t just focus on building cultural knowledge by teaching about different cultures, but also seek to improve cultural skills and cultural metacognition (or mindfulness).

And don’t forget, it’s also crucial for leaders to develop their own cultural intelligence.

Your task

Reflecting on the three elements of cultural intelligence – knowledge, skills and cultural metacognition – which do you think are your strengths or weaknesses?

Based on your reflection, set some goals for how you could develop your cultural intelligence.

Share your goals, and plans for achieving them, in the comments.