Cultural Fluency is not an Option
Russell Ng
Partnering Everyday Leaders and Coaches towards sustainable success through Executive Coaching | Chief Happiness Officer :)
In the past four years, disruption hasn’t just been a buzzword—it’s been our reality. Leadership today isn’t what it used to be, but we’re not talking about it enough. Because the more we talk, the more we see.
Day #20: Cultural Fluency is not an option Understanding goes a long way
Why This Matters – I am starting to realise that leadership often is about navigating different perspectives, customs, and communication styles.
- A direct approach might feel like clarity to you, but for someone else, it could feel like confrontation.
- A casual joke might miss the mark or be taken offensively
- What’s familiar to you might be unfamiliar to someone else.
The Opportunity
I remember one time, I was so pumped up to tell a joke, and with all the confidence I could muster, I said, “Do you know why the sea is so salty? Because the land never waves back!†I thought it was gold, but the room was silent. So, I tried to explain, but the more I tried to clarify, the more confused the room looked. The joke was completely lost in translation and “salty†just didn’t fit the context.
领英推è
What’s New
I see diversity not as roadblock, but an opportunity to connect and appreciate different perspectives. While mastering every cultural nuance may not be realistic, staying curious, flexible, and open can help you build better relationships and understanding.
Try This Today
Ask Yourself: Am I aware of how my communication style might come across to others?
Ask Your Team: What’s one thing I could do differently to help you feel understood?
What’s Next?
Every day in January, I’ll share insights from the books I read, the conversations I’ve been in, the people I’ve coached, and the lessons I’ve lived. Together, we’ll explore what New Leadership means and why I think it’s more crucial than ever!
If these reflections spark something for you, drop a comment and I’d love to hear your perspective or continue the dialogue. I’m also working toward completing my coaching hours, so if you’re curious about exploring coaching, let’s connect??
Join me tomorrow as I share about Day #21 Holding Space for Emotions