Watching US President Trump’s live press conference with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenesky and all that went wrong with the diplomatic engagement convinced me more than ever that the ability to disagree respectfully is an increasingly important skill in our culturally diverse world.
The future belongs to those who can navigate cultural complexities with intelligence, adaptability, and the skill to find common ground. In a global melting pot filled with diverse cultural nuances, cultural intelligence becomes invaluable for crafting outcomes that are mutually beneficial when the future is to be shared with those from various backgrounds.
Reaching mutually agreeable goals requires maturity and the ability to practise empathy and awareness of different worldviews. Cultural intelligence is crucial in our negotiation toolkit, significantly influencing modern communication strategies. It helps us find the middle ground we often overlook when frustrated by cultural barriers. When applied effectively, cultural intelligence leads to mutually beneficial outcomes in complex discussions, allowing us to overcome obstacles and step into more productive spaces.
Our interactions are shaped by the way people think. Our thoughts mould our belief systems, with culture at the core of these beliefs. Our culture defines our worldview, which, in turn, influences how we communicate. By understanding different worldviews, we can learn to dialogue in a way that builds bridges and creates more opportunities for all involved.
As Malcolm Bradbury said, “Culture is a way of coping with the world by defining it in detail”. This approach is applicable across the political, business, and personal relationship spectrum. Many current political tensions, both domestically and globally, require dialogue rooted in cultural intelligence. Much of the work gets done when we quickly unpack and comprehend each other’s cultural nuances.
Recently, President Ramaphosa signed the expropriation bill into law, prompting a whirlwind of political commentary from all sides. In his characteristic style, US President Donald Trump threatened to cut aid and possibly impose sanctions. This exchange illustrates a clash of cultures that is dividing nations. By approaching these discussions with cultural intelligence first, divisive worldviews can transform into learning, collaboration, and continued diplomatic relations and ties.
During the heated debate between President Trump and President Zelensky, a question rooted in cultural expectations was raised about Zelensky’s choice not to wear a suit during his visit to the Oval Office. Rather than escalating tensions, a culturally intelligent response could have helped diffuse the situation. Recognizing the cultural significance of formal attire—while also appreciating diverse customs and contexts—creates space for more constructive and respectful dialogue.
Such disagreements continue to erupt beyond the Oval Office, spilling into the comments sections of social media platforms. Instead of engaging with diverse perspectives, people often retreat into ideological bubbles, reinforcing their positions and silencing opposing views. Disagreement increasingly leads to censorship rather than constructive conversation.
Disagreements are becoming battlegrounds where nuance breeds outrage, and moral posturing replaces meaningful debate. Trust erodes, and rather than challenging ideas, we vilify those with conflicting views.
I recall speaking with South African politician and businessman Jay Naidoo, who reflected on the fight against apartheid. He explained that while activists frequently disagreed, they still defended each other’s right to be heard.
We must learn to listen and disagree constructively to build a future where dialogue precedes hostility. The Rose Castle Foundation, a charity promoting sustainable peace and reconciliation, exemplifies this concept with its 12 Habits of a Reconciler. These habits remind us that reconciliation is not merely an abstract ideal—it is a daily practice.
By developing our cultural intelligence, we can approach disagreements not as opportunities to “win” or “defend” but as chances to learn, understand, and build cross-cultural bridges. The ‘win’ lies on the other side of using CQ.
Cultural intelligence begins with a willingness to engage and adapt our communication styles, including body language and decision-making approaches, to align with the cultural context of the conversation. This fosters environments where individuals feel heard, respected, and motivated to work together toward common goals despite their differences.
We have a unique responsibility to model a way forward in a world where disagreement too often leads to division, and a ‘winner takes all’ result, instead of a shared future for all involved. By learning to disagree well, we can build more resilient, productive and prosperous teams, schools, and world governments.
Quinton Pretorius is Founder & Director of CQ Africa.
