12 Foundations for Improving Intercultural Competency

“Develop the cultural awareness, mindset, and skills needed to lead and thrive.”

In an increasingly diverse and interconnected world, the ability to effectively communicate and interact across cultures is no longer optional, it is essential. Yet many individuals, teams, and organizations struggle to develop awareness, mindset, and skills that result in meaningful intercultural understanding and engagement across cultural difference and commonality.

In 12 Foundations for Improving Intercultural Competency, Dr. Kirksy offers a practical and accessible guide to developing the knowledge, mindset, and skills needed to navigate cultural differences with confidence and empathy. Drawing on decades of leadership and teaching experience in higher education, consulting, and professional development, he provides readers with clear frameworks and actionable strategies for strengthening intercultural awareness and improving relationships across cultures.

Whether you are a student, educator, leader, or professional seeking to grow in today’s diverse world, this book will help you deepen your cultural understanding of yourself and others to become more effective in communicating, collaborating, interacting, and leading.

In this book, you will gain knowledge and skills to:

• Increase self and other awareness
• Communicate and engage more effectively
• Strengthen empathy and perspective-taking
• Navigate interpersonal misunderstandings and conflict
• Build more culturally-competent and collaborative environments