Athena Rayne Anderson

I used to grumble this question a lot, before my Cultural Intelligence certification. My way was the best way, and I couldn’t understand why everyone didn’t see that. I was constantly frustrated by people who wouldn’t just say what they meant and stop wasting my time!

I now understand that many of the things people do, and the way they do them, are the result of cultural values. There’s no inherently right or wrong way to live or interact with others… but most of us think there is.

Earning my certification as a Cultural Intelligence Facilitator was eye-opening. It showed me that most of the problems I had in interacting with people were the direct result of opposing values.

Cultural Intelligence (abbreviated CQ) is the ability to interact and relate with others in multicultural situations. It’s a skill that can be assessed and improved upon, and has a huge body of research and evidence to support its use.

For instance, I’m a very direct communicator, and indirect communication seems like a rude waste of my time. On the other hand, for an indirect communicator, my style can seem rude and inappropriate!

Neither of us are trying to offend the other person, but it happens as a result of our differing values. The complexity of interactions like this is fascinating!

I earned my certification as a CQ Facilitator in 2019 and Unconscious Bias Train the Trainer Facilitator in 2020. Both are made possible by the Cultural Intelligence Center, whose mission is to make the world a better place by helping us understand and communicate with each other.

I’m authorized to give presentations, seminars, and workshops on CQ, cultural values, and using CQ to combat unconscious bias. I’m also able to administer and debrief the CQ Assessment.

I really believe CQ is the bridge between an environment that is diverse and one in which everyone feels included. Contact me using the form below to learn how I can help your group function more effectively, creatively, and harmoniously, no matter your sector.

Check my blog for CQ advice you can implement any time!