Why Leaders Need to Develop Cultural Intelligence in Workplace

The need for organizations to develop an inclusive workplace culture and foster cultural intelligence is gaining traction these days. Companies continue to employ people with diverse abilities from all over the world, infusing their workplace with culture. While this offers a rich social environment for employees to enjoy, it is difficult to establish a hospitable environment in the workplace when people have diverse perspectives and habits. Above all, establishing an inclusive workplace culture in which people from varied backgrounds may feel as at ease with their job as the rest of the team is surely a challenging task. As a result, there remains an imperative need for leaders to consider the problem of building cultural intelligence in the workplace. Hence, this podcast episode on The Modern Manager podcast channel highlights how leaders can foster cultural intelligence in the workplace.

Developing a truly inclusive workplace culture entails more than merely supporting equity. According to the episode, understanding cultural nuances beyond national origin is paramount for fostering inclusive and effective teams. Loren Rosario-Maldonado, with over 25 years of expertise, shares insights from her book, emphasizing actionable strategies for enhancing cultural intelligence skills among managers. Cultural dimensions such as time perception, personal privacy, trust-building, and emotional expression are explored to highlight the multifaceted nature of culture in the workplace. The episode suggests that managers must cultivate curiosity and empathy to bridge cultural gaps and promote collaboration. It stresses the importance of acknowledging discomfort and embracing continuous learning to create an inclusive and successful work environment. Overall, the episode advocates for prioritizing cultural intelligence as a fundamental aspect of effective leadership and team performance in today’s globalized workforce.

It is imperative for leaders to foster cultural intelligence in the workplace. The preceding text highlights a few tips leaders can follow to develop a higher intelligence quotient in cultural well-being.