Introduction
Cultural intelligence is a huge subject in a lot of regions today. As Christians, people
should have CQ so that they are not a burden to others listening to the word. Everyone has a
certain amount of cultural intelligence, but there are differing aspects. A lot of individuals are
solid in areas and weak in others. People should be cautious of the regions in which they are
weak so they can be positive about increasing them. They should begin working to achieve
greater intellect, and they can begin in the place they are at right now.
CQ Importance in Today’s World
The idea of cultural intelligence is relevant and vital in every aspect of life. As a student
at Liberty University, cultural intelligence is not an out-of-pocket topic of conversation. A lot of
the students here come from many diverse societies meaning everyone is brought up in different
ways. It is important for other students to be mindful of diverse social principles. They should
know what is appropriate when it comes to student's cultural backgrounds. In some regions, titles
or rankings are extremely pertinent. Students should know the correct way to speak to those so
that they are not insulted. People tend to want others to adjust to the American culture, however,
there are particular ideals that they have grown up with that American’s should be aware of so
that they feel secure.
CQ Future Importance
Even though I will not be going into student ministry, it is still important to me because I
will be conversing with a wide range of adolescents who come from various cultures. Not
possessing cultural intelligence could get me into positions that I should not and do not want to
be in. Understanding the background that someone comes from is likely influential in the way
they are accepted. As a future hair stylist and possible salon owner, I want everybody to feel
valued, one way that can happen is to understand and adjust to their norms. Some teens receive
the word differently because that’s how they have grown up. This will make me approach
conversations about the gospel in different ways or incorporate topics that could be related to
them. 1 Corinthians 8:9 says, "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not
become a stumbling block to the weak.". Therefore people should do everything they can so that
they do not “become a stumbling block” toward others. Rather, they should do everything they
can to turn the focus away from themselves and towards God.
CQ Strengths
In terms of cultural intelligence, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. It is an
individual’s obligation to be cautious of these and work on improving our weaknesses and
making them strengths. In terms of the four aspects of cultural intelligence, I scored highest in
CQ drive at a 93. So I have the incentive to adjust to and study alternative cultures. Looking at
my own life as a whole, I think that this is fairly true. I really enjoy studying and surrounding
myself in other cultures. For example, I have many friends from other backgrounds, and I have
been able to spend time with their families in home settings and learn a lot about their cultures.
One other aspect in which I am fairly strong is in CQ strategy where I scored an 85. This shows
that I come up with strategies and plan prior to conversing with another culture. I was a little
shocked that I did not get a higher rank in this area as I tend to be a planner. I usually enjoy
planning things out prior to it happening and prefer following those plans. All of the areas within
the CQ strategy were scored fairly high. The last area, CQ action, I ranked on a mid-level. This
area could possibly be a strength or weakness. I would like to have the ability to put all of these
aspects together and show that I have applied them.
CQ Weaknesses
I ranked the lowest in CQ knowledge where I got a 59. I believe this was due to the fact
that I do not know a whole lot about other cultures' dialects. I ranked somewhat low in the socio-
linguistics areas and scored higher in the other areas. This is probably one of my most substantial
weaknesses, and it is an aspect where I want to acquire more understanding so that I can call it a
strength. I think the idea of studying other dialects would be interesting and I would be able
discover more about their interactions. Communication is a major part, particularly when you
look into other cultures. It can be very important to the individuals that reside there too,
dependent on where you are visiting. The only other substantial weakness I have looking at my
evaluation is within CQ action. It is within the nonverbal aspect of things. My reasoning as to
why I ranked lower in this is that I tend to be more verbal, and I am so good at interacting in a
nonverbal way. This is something I think I should work on as it seems, in other cultures,
nonverbal actions are very important and seem to mean more to the people. Post taking this
assessment I am able to see my weaknesses, and now that I know what they are, I am able to be
practical about improving them, making them strengths.
CQ Changes through this Course
During this class, I have been able to study a lot more than I originally thought going into
the class. One of the bigger things I learned throughout the cultural intelligence portion of this
class is the way to converse with individuals within other cultures. I did not understand that most
cultures have completely different ways of conversing with one another. This has altered my
outlook and has allowed me to be cautious while conversing with those that I have met from
varying cultures. This class has been able to change my outlook on studying other cultures as
well. Many times, as Americans, people get so tied up in their own upbringing, and do not even
think about the other people around themselves, and no one seems to care to learn. It is very
important to study other cultures, primarily because America is a huge gathering place, and there
are always people from everywhere in the world residing here. The last major aspect that this
class has shown me is the amount of nonverbal communications that other countries use. For
example, motions we make with our hands such as the perfect sign. This can be very offensive to
those from other countries. As stated previously, I am not excellent at nonverbal communication
as I am a verbal person, so this class has taught me that I should work on this aspect of
communication. This class has also shown me all types of cultural intelligence. It has inspired me
to learn about different cultures to the best of my ability, so I am well-prepared for these
situations.
Interacting with Youth
Teens today tend to have their own culture. It is not only vital for me to be able to
converse with teens from varying cultures but also how to converse with teen culture as a whole.
One major aspect that I have learned about conversing with teens from this class is that they take
note of everything people do right or wrong. People should be aware of this and be sure that they
are not making one of our youth trip. Also being sure that all teens are feeling accepted and that
we are not excluding any of them. We should be doing our best to converse with our youth that
they are accepted and loved.
Increasing Personal CQ
At Liberty, there are many different individuals from all over the world. It is what makes
Lynchburg a great area to improve cultural intelligence. Certain ways that I am already working
to increase my CQ while I am studying is by conversing with those from differing cultures. One
other way I wish to increase my CQ while living in Lynchburg is by working within a very
culturally diverse church. This helps me to be open to youth from everywhere and help to
improve CQ. It would also allow me to prepare myself for future situations, and I would be
educated in differing youth cultures. One other way I am able to increase my intelligence is by
taking a trip with LU send. Being able to go into the culture and study there is an incredible way
to improve CQ. The final way that I hope to increase my CQ while I am living in Lynchburg is
by taking some language classes. Because I ranked lower in the socio-linguistics area, I want to
improve that. I am able to do that by taking some intro classes in other languages and learning
the basics from them. This would take me pretty far and would make me more informed of other
cultural relations.
CQ’s Essentiality
Cultural intelligence is an extremely vital portion of one becoming a disciple, but it is
also a needed aspect of us making disciples. As Christians, we are meant to be followers of Jesus
or be disciples. We are called to initially reach those who are nearest to us. To make disciples, we
must begin by living out what we are speaking to others. We should be righteous ourselves and
allow that to pour out of us so that people can see Jesus in us. We need to begin showing others
where God has put us before we can go and tell them. If we cannot make disciples where we are
living, it is going to be more difficult elsewhere. However, as a follower of Jesus, we are called
to speak to others about Him. We cannot tell others from varying cultures about Him if we do not
have an idea about them as individuals or their culture. We have to begin by making friends and
growing relationships with them.. CQ is an incredibly important aspect not only when we are in
interacting in other countries but also when we are simply visiting our neighbor's homes. We
should be able to comprehend what culture individuals within our community are from.
Conclusion
Cultural intelligence is a major topic of conversation in today’s society, and it is an
essential thing for individuals to have. It does not matter what career you are going into in the
future, it is important to have cultural intelligence. Though when it comes to CQ, all people have
their strengths and weaknesses. We must be able to know these, so we can improve ourselves and
strengthen our understanding. One way I have improved my knowledge of CQ is by being a part
of this class. It has taught, shown, and altered my outlook on a multitude things. One of those
things being how I am able grow my CQ within the place I am currently in. CQ is essential to us
sharing the word with many individuals as well as discipling them.
Bibliography
