By Tasha M. Troy
It is difficult to describe what I do in just a sentence or two:
- Do I provide professional communication skills training?
- Do I coach people in cross-cultural situations and environments?
- Do I develop leaders?
The answer to each of these questions is “YES!” Modern leadership of any sort is becoming more demanding. Position is not enough. You need a whole suite of skills. Our focus at Troy Communications is at the intersection of each of three distinct fields: professional communication, leadership, and cultural intelligence.
Professional Communication Skills:
For over 10 years, I have worked in professional development programs, equipping adults with the skills needed for workplace success – giving effective and engaging presentations, participating in and leading discussions and meetings, preparing for and engaging in negotiations.
While the participants in these programs have all been non-native English speakers, I have come to recognize that many of these skills are lacking among native English speakers as well. There is power in being able to communicate clearly and effectively, and I am passionate about empowering people through communication, no matter their role.
Leadership Skills:
In 2014, I decided to partner with one of the world’s top leadership experts when I joined the John Maxwell Team. I didn’t realize how little I understood leadership until I read his 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Twice.
Dr. Maxwell promotes a style of leadership that is interested in the personal and professional development of those under the leader’s authority, making it an others-focused leadership. The book changed the way I teach. Instead of focusing only on language and communication development, I also endeavor to instill sound leadership principles into my teaching style and my lessons.
Cultural Intelligence Skills:
While my entire career has been in cross-cultural settings, in early 2016, I stumbled upon the field of CQ, or cultural intelligence. Since the 80s, I’ve learned many skills and principles of cross-cultural competence through both studies and experience, and it has even been an element of the language and communication courses I’ve taught for the past several years.
What I discovered with CQ was a way to go deeper, a framework for assessing intercultural effectiveness and identifying areas for continued development, in myself and in those I am training.
Where these three fields intersect could be called “The Communication Skills of Culturally Intelligent Leadership.”
Starting with a personal awareness combined with understanding key principles from each of the three fields, we aim to develop effective leaders for our globalized and multicultural society, whether it is an international businessman or a grassroots political activist. When we learn to connect with each other across dividing lines, we all win.
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Take It Deeper
- Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. If you would like to go deeper on this topic, I hold free exploratory coaching sessions each week. You can register online at Troy Communications or email me to schedule an appointment at TMTroy@TroyCommunications.Net
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