One of the best things to do in developing cultural strategic thinking is to learn to be an observer. Through observation and active listening, you pick up what you normally do not see. Observation is acquired through day-to-day activities in your life by making a conscious decision to be open and alert. Pay attention to the verbal and nonverbal cues of various situations; look around your environment and note the various symbols and artifacts. Culturally intelligent leaders must have excellent observation skills, never failing to hear and see the tangible and intangible. You can do this by reminding yourself or by setting goals centered around the following actions:
- Listen with an open mind
- Be open to new ideas
- Suspend judgments of people and their beliefs
- Ask people questions
- Silently ask yourself questions
- Be open to experiences that are unfamiliar
- 1538 reads