Biz-commPulse

Cultural intelligence refers to behaviour based on the knowledge and skills related to the cultures of employees with whom the manager interacts in the business.  This can range from language skills or other qualities such as tolerance for uncertainty or flexibility which could also be enhanced because of emotional intelligence (see my post on emotional intelligence ). Cultural intelligence is developed by learning about the beliefs, customs and even restrictions of specific cultures as well as showing an understanding of a different culture by blending in. Cultural intelligence consists of four aspects, namely linguistics, spatial, intrapersonal and interpersonal. Image Credit:  http://www.freedigitalphotos.net Linguistics refers to successfully interacting with employees from other cultures whose native language is different and thus overcoming any language barriers.  For example, learning some key words or even lingo of another language spoken by emplo...

Are you an emotionally intelligent leader? Photo credit: Photobin . Are you an emotionally intelligent leader who manages your emotions and also recognizes and manages the emotions of your employees?  Or do you merely act on your feelings and regret it afterwards? Do you constantly have to apologize to your employees for being insensitive? Today having the ability to effectively communicate your emotions and to perceive and manage the emotions of your employees  is a highly desired leadership skill, a skill that can very much enhance communication in your business.  Emotionally intelligent leaders have great self awareness, can manage themselves well, possess good social skills and can also manage employee relationships.  By being aware of who they are and what their strengths and weaknesses are, unsettling emotions are controlled  before they can harm the business communication culture.   These leaders are also generally very optimistic...

Source: Freedigitalphotos.net Being a leader is not the same as being a manager.  A manager can still be a poor leader or a leader cannot be a good manager.     In an ever changing business environment, known leadership principles also constantly have to adapt with new leadership styles in addition to the old styles.  But what is leadership and what will make a good leader in 2014?  A good leader inspires other people while ruling or guiding them in the right direction.  But in a world of being connected, a good leader also provides opportunities for what is known as connective leadership .  This means that while managing and leading, the leader also provides opportunities for participation and innovation by giving employees access to experiences and knowledge to grow.   The leader of 2014 knows exactly what employees' passions are and enable them to use them to the benefit of both the business and the employees. ...

Source: Freedigitalphotos.net Team work has become increasingly important in a business, especially since numerous studies confirm that not only are employees more productive when working in a group, but many excellent and innovative ideas had their origin in a group setting to the long-term benefit of the business. Why is team work good  for a business? In a group setting employees have different skills, talents and working styles which can complement each other while striving towards achieving the same business goals.   Employees have to collaborate while different ideas are shared and tested with peers.  It often happens that employees are encouraged to do their best in a group setting because they trust and respect each other.  However, the opposite is also true if the team consists of different personalities who do not agree which could  result in conflict. To really succeed with a team approach in a business, the culture of the business nee...