I recently met Matthew at a LinkedIn Local event in Guildford in May 24. We had a fascinating conversation and we connected on LinkedIn. He wrote a LinkedIn post today which I was impressed with and wanted to share, with his permission.
Why share it?
It’s simple really these conditions apply to all teams whether its business, not for profit, government or frankly anything. How we shape our working environment, affects the performance of individuals within it. So business performance is the sum of all those individual performances, get conditions right, and great performance may become the new norm.
The Six Laws of a Culturally Intelligent Team?
1. We are safe to express difference
This is not the same as avoiding conflict or a brain-free absence of critical thought. But it is an encouragement to challenge each other’s assumptions. Expressing different opinions or proposing different ways of doing things is essential to building value in a team.
2. We are aware of and learn about self and others
Learning starts with understanding who you are and what motivates you. It’s recognizing that the universe is not a replica of any one individual. That recognition means we take an interest in others and learn about them. We respect and value each other and each other’s uniqueness.
3. We assume positive and constructive intent
The most common conflict in any relationship, work or personal, is based on a misunderstanding. I say something meaning ‘A’, and the other person hears ‘B.’ If we start from an assumption that most people don’t want to offend or insult us, then we can spend our energy on building common understanding and meaning.
4. We invest in relationships
The better you know someone, the clearer communication is. Investing in relationships builds inclusion, better collaboration and stronger trust. It means that when the tough times come, you can rely on those around you to push through with you.
5. We look for the advantage in cultural difference
Someone who has a different perspective to mine adds to my worldview and gives me more data on which to base my decisions. By welcoming disagreement and challenge the whole team functions at a higher level.
6. We listen to each other with respect
Learning is not possible when you speak. It’s much harder to value someone when you’re speaking instead of giving them space to express themselves. Listening is crucial to inclusion, cooperation and collaboration. It’s the number one leadership skill and the number one team-player skill.
Written by Matthew MacLachlan 22nd May 2024. Reproduced with permission