Why are some leaders able to create trust and negotiate contracts with Chinese, Latin Americans, and Germans all in the same day, while others are barely able to manage the diversity in their own offices? The answer lies in their cultural intelligence, or CQ. Packed with practical tools, research, and case studies, "Leading with Cultural Intelligence" breaks new ground, offering today's global workforce a specific, four-step model to becoming more adept at managing across cultures. Practical and insightful, this indispensable guide shows leaders how to connect across any cultural divide, including national, ethnic, and organizational cultures.

From the Inside Flap

You’ve gotten used to managing a diverse workforce. You deal with vendors across the globe. You see people as people, whether they’re Chinese, Indian, Mexican, or American. You know the basic protocols to follow and the taboos to avoid. Still, when you arrive in another country or sit down to negotiate with someone from a different culture, you feel anxious and awkward, and often wind up saying or doing something wrong. You’re not alone. Seventy percent of international ventures fail because of cultural differences. Do you need to speak multiple languages and have a Ph.D. in international relations to succeed in these global times? The reassuring reality is that you don’t need to master all the norms and nuances of the myriad of cultures you encounter. What you need is CQ. That’s short for Cultural Intelligence, a new set of skills and sensitivities that picks up where EQ leaves off. Leading with Cultural Intelligence is a groundbreaking guide to developing the repertoire and perspective to lead across a wide range of cultures—effectively, respectfully, and confidently. A global leadership consultant, David Livermore presents a proven model for success in any unfamiliar cultural context. It’s easy to grasp and follow, yet radically different from simplistic approaches that focus on mimicking other cultures’ gestures and phrases. Rooted in rigorous research spanning 25 countries, the CQ way of relating to and inspiring people from different national, ethnic, and organizational cultures is an ongoing cycle. You’ll learn how to lead cross-culturally—and continually grow in proficiency and comfort—by applying a process with four key components: Drive. What’s your motivation for this cross-cultural assignment? How can you increase your confidence level? Knowledge. What specific cultural systems, issues, and values do you need to understand? Strategy. What information do you need to map out a successful cross-cultural plan? What assumptions do you need to check? Action. What communication style and behaviors should you adapt for this intercultural interaction? At every step, you’ll find helpful summaries and best practices. You’ll also gain valuable insights into common situations, from eating unfamiliar local delicacies to apologizing, through the stories of frequent cross-cultural travelers. With Leading with Cultural Intelligence as your trusted compass, you’ll be able to thrive in the global business climate and handle multicultural hurdles in your own backyard. By raising your CQ, you’ll also contribute to the greater good of equal humanity for all. David Livermore, Ph.D. , is Executive Director of the Global Learning Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition, he is a Senior Research Consultant with the Cultural Intelligence Center in East Lansing, Michigan, and a Visiting Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He has done consulting and training with leaders in 75 countries across the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Visit www.davidlivermore.com