What's Your CQ (Cultural Intelligence)?

Cultural intelligence refers to how well you relate to those of other cultures, whether a foreign culture, a regional culture or even a different company culture. Both CQ and EQ are measures of how well you understand and relate to other people, but EQ focuses more on relating to individuals whereas CQ centres on understanding groups of people and what behaviours are common to that group.

To improve your cultural intelligence, it's important to not make quick judgments. For example, if you meet one or two German engineers and they seem to be gruff and confrontational, it's too soon to assume that all Germans are this way. Their behaviour could be related to their profession or their company culture, or it could just be their individual personalities. Someone with a highly attuned CQ can make these distinctions more easily, but it takes time for anyone.

When interacting with people from different cultures, take time to observe and evaluate objectively. If you're excellent at getting along with people in your own culture, don't expect to have instant success cross-culturally. In fact, being more detached and something of an outsider in your own culture may help you understand others better because you'll have an objective perspective.

Once you begin to understand through observation, you need to demonstrate this with your actions in order to get along in the new culture. Begin to imitate body language and customs you've seen whether it's a handshake, a bow or a kiss on the cheek. Feeling uncomfortable about adopting new customs indicates a lower CQ while those who quickly adapt have a higher one.

When engaging with a different culture, go into it wholeheartedly and don't give up if you encounter obstacles. You'll likely make some faux pas, but be willing to learn from your mistakes and try again. Understanding where communication broke down will lead to a deeper knowledge of the culture and you'll be more informed for the next interaction.