As Monday unfolds across Cameroon, from the vibrant kola nut exchanges in Foumban to the serene beaches of Kribi, our cultural diversity fuels our leadership. At Lead from the Heart, we’re diving deeper into May’s theme, Wisdom – Leading with Cultural Intelligence, inspired by Kwame Nkrumah’s wisdom: “Culture is not an ornament; it is the foundation of all human values.” This week, let’s ignite your leadership by setting goals to build cultural connections, creating stronger teams in Bamenda or beyond.
Cultural intelligence (CQ) thrives on connection—bridging differences to foster trust. In Cameroon, where over 250 ethnic groups weave a rich tapestry, connection might mean sharing a proverb like “One hand cannot tie a bundle” to rally a team in Douala. Globally, it’s aligning diverse perspectives in a virtual meeting. Start this week inspired: your ability to connect across cultures is a leadership gift. Picture a manager in Buea who learns a colleague’s greeting in Bassa, sparking collaboration. That’s the power of cultural wisdom.
Set a goal to forge one meaningful connection this week. Reflect on a time when a cultural gesture—like joining a Limbe fish barbecue—built rapport. Globally, leaders like Angela Merkel used small acts, like learning local customs, to unite teams. How can you do this? Commit to one action: perhaps ask a team member about their cultural background during a coffee break. This mirrors Cameroon’s tradition of communal dialogue, fostering inclusion. At our Vision Quest retreat, we create spaces for such connections through storytelling.
Make your goal specific: “This week, I’ll connect by [action, e.g., learning a pidgin phrase] with [person/team] to [outcome, e.g., build trust].” For example, “I’ll learn a Fulani greeting to welcome a new colleague, strengthening our team.” Track progress by noting their response—did it spark a smile or deeper conversation? Globally, firms like Coca-Cola thrive by embedding local gestures into their culture, like respecting communal decision-making in African markets. In Cameroon, you might adapt a rigid agenda to allow time for relational check-ins, balancing global efficiency with local warmth.
To fuel this goal, dedicate five minutes daily to observe cultural cues. Notice how a colleague’s tone shifts when discussing family—a universal yet Cameroonian value. Our Leadership Breakfast series can help you explore connection strategies further—join us to share ideas. Journal your progress: “Today, I connected by [action]. It led to [result].” By Friday, you’ll see how small acts of cultural wisdom transform your leadership.
As Cameroon’s spirit of unity inspires us, let’s lead with connection this week. Whether in local palaver sessions or global boardrooms, your cultural wisdom builds bridges. Start small, stay intentional, and watch your team thrive.
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©Silas Achu
