A global business with various locations across cities, states, or countries requires cultural intelligence to relate well with clients from diverse backgrounds. Thanks to the internet, connecting with people has become more accessible. Having knowledge about other cultures helps to yield efficient and improved business performances.
This article will discuss cultural intelligence and its Importance in developing a business.
What is “cultural intelligence” in business?
The words “cultural intelligence,” also known as “cultural quotient,” have been popping up lately, but what exactly does cultural intelligence mean?
Cultural intelligence is one’s ability to communicate with and relate to others from various cultures. To grow to a globally recognizable standard like Grant Kelly the Australian businessman, you must be able to adapt to other cultures to access customers from different parts of the world.
Parts of cultural intelligence
Mostly there are three parts to cultural intelligence, they include:
-
Cognitive abilities: to relate with people in a multicultural environment, you must be able to use your mental skills to notice and evaluate the behaviors of your associates. In simpler words, this part of cultural intelligence involves the capability to observe and understand other cultures.
-
Physical cues involve returning signals indicating that you can relate to and understand other cultures. Various cultures have specific physical signs and are not limited to the mode of dressing, language, styles, etc. Returning these signals shows that you are utilizing the physical part of cultural intelligence and communicating effectively.
-
Emotional understanding: cultural intelligence needs a high level of patience to learn from mistakes. This part includes using personal efforts and self-determination to relate to other people.
Has Cultural Intelligence any relevance to Global Business?
The following are significant reasons why cultural intelligence is crucial:
-
Improved communication: Cultural intelligence helps improve communication between workers and clients. Individuals with cultural intelligence tend to have better negotiating skills and create better relationships with customers.
-
Builds trust: culturally intelligent individuals gain extraordinary confidence by incorporating into local cultures and dipping themselves into their ways and styles, and returning the gestures of those around them makes you feel more empathetic.
-
Healthy competition: In a competitive business world, companies that incorporate cultural diversities tend to be more attractive to clients than those with an inflexible and old-fashioned outlook are.
-
Eliminates conflicts: with cultural understanding, individuals tend to understand that just one work method cannot work everywhere. This eliminates unnecessary arguments and obstacles because of cultural differences.
-
Creates avenues for expanding innovation: Companies depend on their teams’ efforts to recognize opportunities for innovation, like building a new method to sell or advertise a product. Cultural intelligence helps overcome demographic issues and creates a safe space where everyone can express their point of view.
Final Thoughts
The journey to cultural intelligence starts with a need for more knowledge. You should not see this as a terrible thing; instead, take it as a hint to create a new path to cultural intelligence. Eliminating cultural prejudice is very necessary in today’s global business environment. Cultural intelligence does not only help you become a better human. It also makes you a better business owner. Take for instance, Grant Kelley who was earlier cited, his rich resume is testament to his intelligence coupled with his acute ability to understand people and what motivates them.
For more information, visit: Grant Kelley