In this episode of The Culturally Intelligent Safety Professional, I speak with Emma Jordaan — cultural intelligence strategist, CEO of Infinite Consulting, host of The HR & CQ Show, and recently published author of Dubai Decoded. Emma brings over two decades of experience from across the UK, Europe, and the UAE to share practical insights on how cultural intelligence (CQ) transforms workplace safety and leadership in multicultural environments.Our conversation dives deep into power distance, communication styles, and the psychological dynamics that affect trust, reporting, and risk perception, here are my key takeaways — especially in sectors like construction where safety is critical. Emma also shares reflections from her time in the Society of CQ Fellows. 1. Storytelling is a Cross-Cultural Safety SuperpowerIn multicultural settings, safety messages often get lost in translation — literally and culturally. Emma highlights how storytelling personalizes risk and transcends communication barriers. A compelling example: an engineer shared his lived experience of losing an eye to drive home PPE compliance, far more effectively than a rulebook ever could.Lesson: Stories evoke empathy and resonate universally — especially when traditional authority-driven messaging fails.2. “Yes” Doesn’t Always Mean Yes — Especially in High Power-Distance CulturesEmma breaks down how cultures with hierarchical norms often foster indirect communication. Workers may agree outwardly with leadership to “save face” or avoid conflict, even when they disagree or don't understand. This creates dangerous blind spots in safety-critical environments.Lesson: Leaders must dig deeper — ask more questions, read between the lines, and foster an environment where people feel safe enough to say “no.” 3. Language Matters — Simplicity, Clarity, and Translation Save LivesIn workplaces with dozens of nationalities, assuming everyone understands English the same way is risky. Emma recommends simplifying all safety communication — ditching jargon and fluff — and, where possible, translating briefings into employees’ native languages.Lesson: Clear and inclusive communication reduces accidents and fosters trust.4. Psychological Safety Requires Cultural AdaptationCreating a “speak up” culture isn’t enough if the act of speaking up is culturally uncomfortable. Many workers, especially those on visas or in lower-status roles, fear consequences for being honest. Emma recommends anonymous reporting channels and culturally sensitive leadership to bridge that gap.Lesson: Psychological safety is not one-size-fits-all — it must be designed with cultural dynamics in mind. 5. CQ Drive Is the First Step — and the Most CriticalOf the four capabilities in the CQ model (Drive, Knowledge, Strategy, Action), Emma emphasizes CQ Drive as foundational. Without the internal motivation to adapt, no amount of knowledge or strategy will translate into behavior change.Lesson: Cultural intelligence starts with the desire to understand and flex — everything else builds from there.

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