5 ways to improve cultural intelligence in the workplace

Cultural intelligence is an important skill in the workplace. It enables you to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise because of various cultures, languages, codes of conduct and business practices within an international workplace. Additionally, it helps you understand different cultures and communicate with people from all over the world.

By understanding, respecting, and adapting to diverse cultural backgrounds, you not only enhance your effectiveness but also contribute to a more successful organization. How can you improve your cultural intelligence in the workplace?

Why is cultural intelligence in the workplace valuable?

Anita van Oijen, trainer in leadership and personal growth:

“You create more value for yourself and your organization by developing skills such as cultural intelligence, strategic thinking and assertiveness. It helps you anticipate the needs of the ones you work for, solve problems and even support better business decision-making. As an executive assistant in an international workplace you have to transfer from support control to support leadership.”

Tips to improve your cultural intelligence

Anita provides five tips to develop and improve your cultural intelligence skills:

1. Learn and be curious
   Stay curious and commit to continuous learning about different cultures. Read books, attend cultural sensitivity training, and engage with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. The more you know, the more effectively you can navigate cultural nuances.
2. Build cross-cultural relationships
   Actively seek opportunities to build relationships with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds. Engage in conversations, participate in cultural events, and create a network that reflects the diversity of the workplace. You will not only gain cultural intelligence but you will also create valuable connections that can help you when particular work-related issues arise.
3. Adapt your communication style
   Recognize that communication styles vary across cultures. Be adaptable in your communication approach by adjusting your tone, pace, and level of formality.
4. Develop empathy
   Put yourself in others’ shoes. It allows you to understand the emotions and perspectives of individuals from different cultures. This skill is invaluable in resolving conflicts and building strong, collaborative teams.
5. Be flexible
   Cultural intelligence requires flexibility in your thinking and approach. Embrace the diversity of thought and be open to alternative ways of problem solving. This flexibility positions you as an invaluable asset in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Create value for your organization

Developing and improving your cultural intelligence impacts both your professional growth and the success of your organization. Do you want to know how? Sign up for the program Executive Assistant in an International Workplace. Anita will happily enlighten you about the impact of cultures on work and how to use it to your advantage. This program can also be customized to match your exact needs during an incompany-training.

Read more about the program