Why do I need to learn CQ skills?

If you are traveling abroad in any capacity, for a new job, a vacation, or as a virtual nomad, you will be in contact with people of varying cultural behaviors. You need to be prepared for that. However, the most important part of cultural intelligence is not to understand other cultures, it’s to to understand your own culture. Culture is invisible, and as many say, it’s comparable to an iceberg floating on the ocean. You see the visible culture in the traditional dress, how the public transportation operates, how they do their hair or makeup differently than your home country. But do you know the best way to show respect and appreciation in another culture? Do you know how your new host country approaches hierarchy? Do you know why they act the way they do?

Any time you engage with a person from a different culture, you bring your own invisible, culture into the situation first. If you aren’t aware of your cultural programming, you are at a disadvantage, and you will experience cultural misunderstandings. Some cultural misunderstandings can be laughed about or cleared up afterwards, nut some cannot and cause real damage. If you are hoping for a genuine connection with real people, you will show deep respect to them by making an effort to adapt your behavior to their culture.

Taking a CQ assessment and learning tips and strategies for engaging cross-culturally will make you a much more intelligent and respectful citizen of the world. You will be able to set aside your cultural programming, truly gain a new perspective on the world, and make genuine connections across cultures. You’re