When I deliver intercultural training, of course, I do all I can to avoid political considerations. I am not there to teach people what to believe or how to behave. My role is to clarify the dynamics that can affect intercultural communication, explaining that preconceptions or misunderstandings can sometimes be the problem rather than personal issues. However, there is no cultural intelligence unless the ethnocentric point of view is rejected. Lately, I feel that people are less willing to tolerate and accept. Do you also see this change?
Answered by Quinton Pretorius
I want to acknowledge the work you’re doing. Creating spaces where people are willing to examine their assumptions takes courage, and it can feel even harder in today’s climate.
I can only speak from my context in South Africa. Here, I’ve found there is often more freedom to talk about political perspectives without it immediately becoming personal, although that isn’t always the case. I think our history has taught many of us that difficult conversations are necessary.
I remember an anti-apartheid activist once saying, “I may disagree with what you believe, but I will always fight for your right to be heard.” That has stayed with me because I think cultural intelligence begins there, with curiosity before judgment. If we’ve created enough psychological safety, we can explore those differences respectfully without trying to convince one another.
Do I think people are becoming less willing to tolerate different views? In some contexts, yes. But I’ve also found that when people feel heard rather than judged, they’re often more open than we initially expect. That gives me hope, even when the conversations are difficult.
Leadership Beyond Your Perspective
A turbulent political climate can leave us all questioning the impact of our work and whether we are creating true bonds. When that doubt raises and your motivation declines, it may be time to take a step back.
Cultural Intelligence facilitators Athena Rayne Anderson (Ph.D., M.Ed.) and Quinton Pretorius have designed a CQ Safari Learning Journey where the African bush becomes your classroom, your mirror, and your teacher. On this new Learning Journey, you’ll discover how CQ mirrors the rhythms and wisdom of the natural world. By pausing the hectic pace of life, you’ll connect more deeply with nature and honor it’s profound lessons. This experience will take you to the Eastern Cape of South Africa to develop your leadership skills among some of the planet’s most iconic wildlife.