WORD | Issue 15 | Special Edition | Ruan Retief by The Word Architect

THE PRINCIPALS OF INERTIA

Deon van Deventer

THE RAINBOW REVELATION

Perez Harrison Pratt

Yours in writing,

Lisa Bell

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Take the plunge!

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All-weather experience • Scuba diving adventures for all qualification levels, ages 10+ Explore our diverse underwater world and dive with sharks, rays, and shoals of fish All gear included • Highly trained and qualified dive masters

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Reservations: 021-422 4522 or res@dehoopcollection.co.za

About Ruan Retief

Author Lisa Bell

zipline@capecanopytour.co.za

www.capecanopytour.co.za

www.capecountryroutes.com

loyalty.capecountryroutes.com

Andre is determined to make a difference in South Africa. Andre is a married father who enjoys spending time with his friends and animals. He is also an avid genealogist with three books on the subject, as well as a reader, educator, traveller, and humanitarian.

andre@bigpositiveguy.com

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FUTURE

UNAPOLOGETICALLY SIV THE SYNERGY OF HUMAN & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN COACHING

Verity Price

Kim du Plessis

FIND OUT MORE HERE

EcoTraining is the pioneer and leader in Africa’s safari guide and wildlife training. The safari industry widely recognises EcoTraining’s credibility and standard of excellence in nature guide training. We offer accredited career courses, gap year and sabbatical programmes, nature programmes, high school and university study abroad programmes, custom courses and on-site professional guide training at safari lodges. All courses are run directly from EcoTraining’s unfenced bush camps in prime wilderness areas across South Africa, Botswana and Kenya.

Issued on behalf of: Annemi Zaaiman | Marketing Manager: EcoTraining. Disseminated by: Our Salad Mix

Want to know more about The Journey and how it could help you? Check out: www.thejourneysa.co.za

VERITY PRICE

Verity Price believes in chasing your dreams and being the best version of yourself. She’s gone from walking 750 miles across Europe in Hi-Tecs in memory of her parents to performing her original songs in high heels to packed houses in Nashville and New York. From acting (in what she admits are b-rated films) with Steven Segal and Sean Astin to speaking on two TEDx stages. From being terrified of public speaking to being crowned the 2021 World Champion of Public Speaking. As a speaker and presenting coach, Verity works globally with individuals and organisations to change their thinking so that they can change their results.

ABOUT ROBYN MACMHAOINIGH

As a practicing commercial attorney with two decades of experience, Robyn brings peace of mind and a safe framework to her clients in which to grow their businesses. Robyn has a global client base provides her clients with insights from Africa, the UK and Europe that help them build an agile and resilient business based on best practices. Robyn has advised over 1000 businesses through all stages of the business cycle. Robyn is the South African lawyer of choice for franchisors, established family businesses, large private companies and foreign companies looking to do business in South Africa. Robyn hand-picks her clients and focuses on businesses that prioritise creating wealth for themselves and their clients.

www.heyattorneys.co.za

FICTION

NON-FICTION

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HEALTHY HABITS HUB

Author Ruan Retief

Owner

BOUNDFIT

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we will not achieve the results we are after. This context may be hidden gems within variances embedded in our cultures.

NOW, HOW DOES ONE GO ABOUT INCREASING YOUR LEADERSHIP FITNESS LEVEL OF CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE?

Continuous Learning and Development:

Keep working on your emotional intelligence to be fully present in these situations. Leadership fitness towards cultural differences is an ongoing journey of learning and development. Leaders should seek opportunities to enhance their cultural intelligence through cross-cultural training, experiential learning, or mentorship from colleagues with diverse backgrounds.

Cultural Humility and Curiosity:

Be curious about what drives other people’s behaviour and be humble in the exploration journey. Indeed, effective leaders approach cultural differences with humility,

recognising that they don’t have all the answers and that their cultural lens may limit their understanding. They are open to learning from others, valuing diverse viewpoints, and acknowledging the richness that cultural diversity brings to their team.

Adaptability and Flexibility:

Be open to learning and challenge your paradigms. Leadership fitness towards cultural differences requires adaptability and flexibility in leadership style and communication approach. Leaders should be willing to adjust their behaviours and strategies based on the cultural context, ensuring they are effectively understood and able to connect with team members from diverse backgrounds.

Active Listening and Empathy:

Encourage storytelling within your team and listen carefully for the cultural nuances. Leaders must cultivate active listening skills and empathy to fully understand the perspectives and

experiences of individuals from different cultural backgrounds. Leaders can build trust and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected by listening attentively and empathising with their team members.

Cross-Cultural Communication: Ensure you learn about the cultures relevant to and in your business. Effective communication lies at the heart of successful leadership across the cultures and borders it poses.

Leaders must be adept at navigating language barriers, non-verbal cues, and communication norms to ensure clarity and understanding among team members. They should also foster a culture of open communication, where individuals feel comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns regardless of cultural differences.

Develop a plan centred around Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or conflicts within teams. Leaders with cultural fitness are skilled at mediating conflicts, facilitating constructive dialogue, and finding common ground that respects diverse perspectives. They approach conflicts as opportunities for growth and learning new skills rather than obstacles to avoid.

Cultural intelligence has emerged as a critical component of leadership fitness in the 21st century. It goes beyond mere tolerance or awareness of cultural differences; it encompasses the capacity to effectively adapt, communicate, and collaborate across cultural boundaries.

This lays the foundation for sustainable success in an increasingly interconnected world and serves as a compass to combat reaching borders on the journey. This is a fascinating subject worth reading about and mastering, whether you are working across borders globally or looking to understand further our local diverse

cultures within the South African space.

Many authors have built on Hofstede’s work, and two books that we recommend on the subject are Leading with Cultural Intelligence by David Livermore and The Culture Map by Erin Meyer.

Dr Kerryn Powell of Affect Consulting Business Well-Being Advisor; Team, Leadership & Online Facilitator Werner Koen Commercial Director L’Oréal affectconsulting.co.za