Lesson One: Introduction to Cultural Intelligence
The steps I used to overcome assumptions in China
Welcome to Lesson 1 of Cultural Intelligence 101! This lesson will have two main learning outcomes:
Understand the basics of cultural intelligence through storytelling
Learn how cultural intelligence can be applied to everyday life.
The lecture is available in video format, or you can read the written content below. If you prefer a quicker lesson, watch this 4-minute version of Lesson One on TikTok!
My Story: Building Cultural Intelligence in the Face of Assumptions
When I was 22, I moved to China to teach English at a university. Although I had researched the city and felt confident in my work, nothing could have prepared me for the reactions I encountered upon my arrival. People stared. Crowds literally parted as I walked through. Strangers would yell "Michelle Obama!" at me because they had no other Black woman to associate me with.
At first, I didn't let it bother me. I knew it was just curiosity and not malice. But, over time, it became exhausting. When I finally started my job, I expected things to improve, assuming that working at a university would mean people wouldn't be as surprised by my presence — I was wrong.
Despite the university having hired other foreigners over the years, I was the first Black teacher they had ever worked with. And soon, I learned that understanding of Black culture came from movies and rap videos, not any real engagements. This created a tough adjustment for me because I felt trapped by their assumptions. For example, whenever I entered a room, someone would start playing hip-hop music. The worst part? No one meant any harm, but I was exhausted.
Eventually, my frustration began to affect my overall experience, and I realized I had a choice. I could either stay frustrated or take control of the situation. This is where cultural intelligence became significant to me.
What is Cultural Intelligence, and Why Does It Matter?
Cultural intelligence is the ability to navigate cultural differences successfully. There are many benefits to building your cultural intelligence, but here are my top three:
Confidence Building: It enhances your confidence in handling conflicts and collaborating with diverse teams.
Effective Communication: Understanding cultural differences reduces misunderstandings and fosters trust among individuals.
Personal Enrichment: It cultivates empathy and trust while broadening your perspectives.
How do you develop Cultural Intelligence?
I think of this process as a checklist with four key steps:
Drive. This step involves understanding your motivation for seeking cross-cultural interactions.
I had to remind myself why I moved to China: for growth, adventure, and new opportunities. If I allowed frustration to take over, I would miss out on valuable experiences.
Knowledge. This is understanding what's happening around you. Observation is key!
I asked myself what I knew about the people I was interacting with. What motivated them? How do they show respect? What does communication look like in this environment?
Strategy. Based on the knowledge you gained (Step 2), how can you create a plan?
My plan was to build a relationship with my coworkers. I planned to introduce them to new music, showing that I enjoy genres beyond rap and that I was eager to learn about their favorite Chinese singers and songs. But at the core, I wanted to ask, instead of assuming, why they played rap music anytime I came into a room.
Action. Putting your strategy into practice.
I started a conversation about our favorite singers. When my coworkers learned I was interested in local music, they shared that they played rap music because they wanted me to feel more welcome in the space and were excited to learn I enjoyed all types of music. From there, I was able to correct misconceptions with patience and humor.
That's it! You now grasp the key components of cultural intelligence. Over the next six weeks, we will break down each aspect of cultural intelligence so you can apply these lessons to your life.
Assignment: Let's do step one - Drive!
In the comments, share what motivates you to build cultural intelligence. Is it for work, travel, or relationships?
Do you need help framing your motivation? Check out Why 'Wanting to Travel' Isn't Enough for tips on strengthening your resolve to succeed when challenges arise from abroad.
See you next week for Lesson 2: Understanding Culture and Adaptability.
What motivates me to develop a better perspective with cultural intelligence is that we live in a diverse society and should have the ability to understand each other to some degree without being rude or distant. I work at a law firm and am the first point of contact in person and on the phone. I have to take time to understand what clients need if their is a language barrier. If not, they may go elsewhere. I also love to travel and want to to able to understand cultures and how to respect and respond when in international spaces.
What motivates me to cultivate cultural intelligence is my love for travel, along with the desire to transition to work that marries travel with cultural intelligence and storytelling.
I have been transformed by my experiences and traveled in a way that allowed me to connect more deeply with the communities I was visiting. This has made me want to know how to move with more cultural intelligence and share that with others so their travel experiences can go beyond escape and consumption and tap into something much deeper that they can hold onto and tap back into for the rest of their lives.