Cultural intelligence (CQ) is not something people develop all at once—it grows through four interconnected capabilities: Drive, Knowledge, Strategy, and Action. Each dimension helps you understand differences more accurately and navigate them with greater clarity and intention. Together, these skills reduce misinterpretation, strengthen collaboration, and make it easier for people with different communication styles, conflict norms, and expectations to work well together.

This module explores each of the four CQ components and how they show up in everyday workplace interactions. You’ll learn how your motivation (Drive), your understanding of cultural norms (Knowledge), your ability to pause and reflect (Strategy), and your behavioral adjustments (Action) all contribute to clearer communication, stronger relationships, and more effective teamwork.

What Will I Learn?

• Describe the four components of cultural intelligence and how they build on one another.
• Recognize where personal habits, cultural norms, or expectations may influence workplace behavior.
• Pause before interpreting someone’s tone, pacing, or participation style and consider multiple explanations.
• Adjust communication and expectations to reduce misalignment and increase clarity.
• Apply CQ in real workplace moments—during feedback, meetings, collaboration, and conflict.
• Strengthen clarity and psychological safety by navigating differences with more intention and accuracy.