Cultural intelligence for inclusive leadership – learn how to navigate cultural differences, recognise bias, and improve your organisation’s cross-cultural interactions.
What is cultural intelligence?
Cultural intelligence is the ability to recognise, respond, and adapt to cultural differences, allowing you to relate and work effectively in culturally diverse situations. This cultural agility will give you the confidence and capability to navigate cultural differences, recognise bias, and improve your organisation’s cross-cultural interactions.
Why is cultural intelligence important for inclusive leadership?
Cultural intelligence goes beyond our existing knowledge of cultural sensitivity and awareness.
It identifies the skills and knowledge needed to successfully realise your, and your team’s, potential in culturally diverse situations. As an organisation it is essential your CEOs, senior executives and managers understand how to translate and use this cultural intelligence in everyday situations.
When leaders are able to effectively demonstrate inclusive behaviours, then team members will adopt similar behaviours. An inclusive leader is more likely to increase the perception of fairness at work, meaning employees feel seen, respected and valued. An organisation that is culturally aware will thrive in the global market. Culturally intelligent leaders, and staff, are able to adapt their behaviour and respond empathically, meaning they are more likely to accomplish their goals in today’s globalised world.
We know every business has different needs and circumstances, we help organisations go beyond vision and values statements and implement tangible, lasting culture change that deliver measurable outcomes for your business across everything from employee engagement to innovation. Our workshops and coaching sessions can help your leaders implement a cultural intelligence programme tailored to your business.Â
Creating and implementing cultural intelligence across your organisation
At Pinnacle Wellbeing Plus we will work with you to assess and measure your organisation’s current cultural intelligence, We’ll work hand-in-hand with your senior management team to develop and embed the right offering across your organisation, ensuring employee buy-in at all levels.
We’ll help you to:
- Understand how cultural agility gives you the confidence to adapt regardless of the situation
- Learn how to navigate cultural differences with proficiency
- Discover how to recognise bias in order to remove the barriers it creates
- Improve your cross-cultural interactions
Embedding culturally intelligent behaviour
Our training and coaching sessions will enable your company’s senior executives and managers to model the following behaviours:
Don’t assume. Be open as to why something is happening. How can you, as a manager, help?
If you make a mistake, apologise. If your team sees you rectifying a situation they are more likely to do the same. This will foster respect amongst your team members and create a more cohesive working environment.
Who are they as individuals? What are their aspirations? What do they want to achieve? Then coach them towards that goal.
Don’t assume everyone has the same needs. Ask them, ask their line manager, and adapt accordingly. Be empathetic.
Organisational development and cultural change doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a process, often taking place over a number of months, involving a number of stakeholders. Embedding change means allowing the message to evolve as time passes. It is important to consistently communicate all aspects of the message but not necessarily all at the same time. Learning how to pitch the message in the most effective way, at the right time, will improve the engagement and dynamics amongst your team.
When change or uncertainty happens people worry about job security and how the company’s new direction may affect their future. Communicating effectively, transparently, and frequently will help you to pre-empt and resolve any concerns your employees may have, before it becomes an issue.
Inclusive leadership will help attract and retaining staff
An organisation that takes its cultural intelligence for inclusive leadership seriously is a more attractive proposition to a potential employee. It promotes a better workplace environment, works positively to retain and engage staff, and, ultimately, creates better business outcomes.
Cultural intelligence as part of an EVP (Employer Value Proposition) speaks volumes. It shows what your business stands for; what its values and culture are; and whether it’s the right employer – it’s a key recruitment tool in your EVP arsenal.
How do we work
We understand that every business is different which is why we offer workshops, training and coaching sessions tailored to your business needs. These can take place in small or larger groups, as well as individual one-to-one sessions. We offer face-to-face or online – whatever method of communication is best for you, we’re here to support your business.
Let’s unlock your full potential, together
Reach out to us today.
