As Monday rises in Cameroon, the vibrant palm wine circles of Bafut and the lively trade in Dschang’s markets remind us that cultural wisdom fuels leadership. At Lead from the Heart, we’re diving deeper into Week 4 of May’s theme, Wisdom – Leading with Cultural Intelligence, inspired by Kwame Nkrumah’s truth: “Culture is not an ornament; it is the foundation of all human values.” This week, let’s spark your leadership by setting goals to deepen cultural wisdom, strengthening teams in Yaoundé or across global horizons.
Cultural intelligence (CQ) grows when we actively apply cultural insights. In Cameroon, with its 250+ ethnic groups, CQ might mean using a Bamileke proverb like “One tree does not make a forest” to rally a team in Douala. Globally, it’s adapting to diverse work styles in a virtual meeting. Start this week inspired: your cultural wisdom is a bridge to connection. Picture a Buea leader who learns a Bassa greeting, boosting morale. That’s the depth we’re building toward as we head into Week 5.
Set a goal to deepen one cultural practice this week. Reflect on a time when culture strengthened your team—perhaps a Limbe fish barbecue sparked collaboration. Globally, leaders like Jacinda Ardern used empathy, rooted in Māori values, to unite diverse groups. How can you mirror this? Commit to one action: maybe share a Cameroonian story in your next meeting to inspire ideas. Our Vision Quest retreat fosters such practices through storytelling circles.
Make your goal specific: “This week, I’ll use [practice, e.g., a proverb] to [action, e.g., engage my team] for [outcome, e.g., stronger trust].” For example, “I’ll share a Nso saying to encourage teamwork.” Track progress by Friday: Did it spark engagement? Globally, companies like Google weave local traditions into meetings—think hosting a team meal to echo Cameroonian hospitality. In Cameroon, you might prioritise group dialogue over solo decisions, blending global efficiency with local warmth.
To fuel this goal, spend five minutes daily noticing cultural cues. See how a colleague’s nod mirrors a Kumba market exchange, then amplify it. Our Leadership Breakfast will explore CQ further—join us to share ideas. Journal your goal: “Today, I applied [cultural wisdom] and saw [result].” As Week 5 approaches, let’s deepen our CQ, preparing for a powerful close to May.
Cameroon’s diverse spirit calls us to lead with depth. Whether in local palavers or global boardrooms, your CQ builds bridges. Start small, stay curious, and get ready for Week 5’s insights.
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©Silas Achu
