6 Effective Strategies To Build Cultural Competence in Leadership

The future of leadership has changed and it is demanding more of cultural competence.

Written by Denetra Hampton

Everyone has a desk. I have found that most of the things that I need to fulfill my daily task will find its way to it, around it or in it. And because those things usually connect to people, my desk has become one of the most unlikely resources for my cultural development. So, I will use it as our conversation piece for this particular article and topic.

Research shows that when we arm ourselves with the proper tools to evolve, the results can be more effective, immediate and impactful. Whether it is perspective, behavior or action, the common thread throughout my experience has been intentionality.

Being intentional about learning other cultures will require activity, self awareness, diversity, reading, questioning and listening. Let's talk about what I have learned with thise six strategies and their benefits in building capacity in cultural competence as a leader.

Here are 6 strategies to use your desk to build cultural competence.

Activity

Oftentimes while sitting at my desk, I will do a activity that is outside of my own culture. For example, one of my favortie tools to use is GOOGLE. It will take me just a few words to empower my cultural learning by typing the words, "Did you know this about the city of Prague?" Yes, it is as simple as this. The activity should take you down a rabbit hole and you can go as far as you would like. Works like a charm. Intentionality matters.

Self-Awareness

Since I have become a filmmaker I am convinced that cultural competence can only occur when you have a deep understanding of your own self, culture and being. Learning more about your own past will give you the understanding to create space about others. Nothing helps me more with this than my journal. I keep a notebook or journal on desk for jotting down thoughts, ideas or doing a quick journal. What is important here is to date your thoughts, go back at the end of the week and reflect. Intentionality matters.

Diversity

You will not get too many arguments regarding the quality of a life that is diverse. A life that has a variety of experiences, in different contexts and expressions will begin to change your perspective and habits in leadership. For instance, multicultural education is critical for future leaders, especially in today's narrative of social media, artificial intelligence and political influence. I have a map on my desk that highlights everywhere I have been in the world. As a travel historian, it began as a project but it is now an intentional piece of my cultural development. Take time to highlight your work area with a piece of art or poetry that reminds you of why diversity is so important. Intentionality matters.

Reading

One of my favorite quotes is, " A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one" - Georfe R.R. Martin. I absolutely love quotes about why reading is fundamental to great leadership. So here are a few more that are relative to culture.

"Reading gives us someplace to go when when we have to stay where we are.: - Mason Cooley.

“So much is to be learned in a day, that reading will never again make an excellent man so learned as he was yesterday.” ~Olinga Rea

“Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.” – Mary Schmich

The bottom line is to always remain a student. Reading will always keep you relevant among humanity and as a reminder use a sticky on your desk with some of your favorite quotes. Intentionality matters.

Questioning & Listening

Communication is a critical skill when developing cultural competence as a leader. Active listening and deliberate questioning go hand in hand when building communication skills across different cultures. In order to learn from others and become a culturally competent leader it is not only important to understand but more often than not, it is the response that can make or break great leadership.

Therefore, while sitting at your desk, make an effort to focus on what those who differ from you are expressing. Listen with compassion, empathy, and provide suitable responses. Exceptional leaders recognize that people have diverse communication styles and are prepared to make the additional effort to comprehend them.

Whether you're in a zoom meeting or other business call, pay attention to who is present and start engaging your listening and questioning abilities. Being intentional is important.

I hope these six strategies will inspire you. Onward.