Driven by Difference

About the Author

David Livermore, Ph.D., is a renowned thought leader in cultural intelligence (CQ) and global leadership. As the president and partner at the Cultural Intelligence Center in East Lansing, MI, Livermore has dedicated his career to understanding and promoting the significance of cultural diversity in driving innovation. He is the author of several influential books, including the best-seller Leading with Cultural Intelligence. In Driven by Difference, Livermore brings his extensive knowledge and experience to the forefront, offering a comprehensive guide on how to harness the power of diversity to foster innovation in the workplace.

Main Idea

In Driven by Difference, David Livermore explores the critical role of cultural intelligence (CQ) in managing diverse teams to drive innovation. Livermore argues that while diversity has the potential to enhance creativity and innovation, it often fails to deliver these results because of poor management. He identifies key management practices that can unlock the innovative potential of diverse teams, including creating an optimal environment, building trust, aligning goals, and considering various audiences when selecting and selling ideas. The book provides a research-based plan to transform diversity's potential into economic reality by fostering culturally intelligent innovation.

Table of Contents

1. The Promise and Peril of Diversity
2. The Power of Attention
3. The Power of the Empty Chair: Perspective Taking
4. The Power of 90 Minutes: Focus
5. The Power of Trees: Space
6. The Power of Trust
7. The 5D Process for Culturally Intelligent Innovation
8. Define: Align Diverse Expectations and Goals
9. Dream: Generate Diverse Ideas
10. Decide: Select and Sell Your Idea
11. Design: Create and Test for Diverse Users
12. Deliver: Implement Global Solutions

The Promise and Peril of Diversity

Today's workforce is more diverse than ever, bringing together individuals from different ethnicities, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and more. This diversity offers a wealth of perspectives and talents that, if managed effectively, can lead to significant innovation. However, many organizations struggle to realize this potential because of conflicts and misunderstandings that arise from cultural differences.

"Cultural intelligence is what makes the difference. The cultural intelligence of the individuals on a diverse team determines whether the team's diversity promotes or deters innovation." - David Livermore

Livermore emphasizes that cultural intelligence (CQ) is essential for managing these differences and fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can thrive. CQ involves four key capabilities: CQ Drive (motivation), CQ Knowledge (cognition), CQ Strategy (metacognition), and CQ Action (behavioral).

CQ Drive

CQ Drive is the interest, confidence, and drive to adapt cross-culturally. Without the motivation to engage with different cultures, even the most knowledgeable individuals will struggle to navigate diverse environments effectively.

CQ Knowledge

CQ Knowledge involves understanding intercultural norms and differences. This knowledge helps individuals anticipate and correctly interpret diverse behaviors and practices.

CQ Strategy

CQ Strategy is the ability to plan and make sense of culturally diverse experiences. It involves being aware of cultural assumptions and adjusting strategies accordingly.

CQ Action

CQ Action is the capability to adapt behavior appropriately in cross-cultural interactions. This includes changing verbal and nonverbal actions to suit different cultural contexts.

The Power of Attention

Innovation requires focused attention. Livermore asserts that consciously thinking about innovation is crucial for driving creative solutions. The organizational culture plays a significant role in fostering innovation, with characteristics such as a willingness to cannibalize assets, future orientation, and a tolerance for risk being particularly important.