Read a student's account of our most recent session in our Management Leadership and Development program below. For more information, about MLDP, click here.
Ever since 2000, Wohlforth has expanded the programmatic offerings of the Dickey Center, and because of her involvement at Dickey, her session focused on developing a global mindset. Through narratives Wohlforth spoke about what a global mindset is, how it enhances effectiveness in cross-cultural settings, and how to explore different ways to prepare and improve cross-cultural sensitivity. Wohlforth explained that many of the leadership skills and values we have discussed thus far in the program depend on context, which was an aspect in leadership I had not connected. For example, communication relies on context and understanding your audience('s culture).
Another important aspect in the lecture was Intercultural sensitivity. This type of sensitivity is important because it allows us to navigate different landscapes much smoother. In fact, there is a continuum (ranging from denial, defense, minimization, acceptance, adaptation, and finally integration) to which we can measure our own intercultural sensitivity. The point that took me by surprise was that although we may progress up the continuum there are circumstances and situations in which we move down to a more "reserved" state. We want to maintain a high level of intercultural sensitivity because management and leadership both rely on its effectiveness in business contexts, roles in which we are involved with other cultures, and developing a narrative that binds missions together. Wohlforth's lecture paved the way for the appreciation of my own global mindset and the steps I take to continuously challenge and improve my intercultural sensitivity.
-Edgar Sandoval '14