The cultural superpower most leaders never develop (but you can)

THE ART & SCIENCE OF LEADING SELF
The Power of Cultural Routes

My friend, in 1999, I received orders to South Korea. This two-year assignment would reshape my understanding of cultural identity and leadership in ways I couldn't have imagined.

Some of my fellow soldiers spent their time there clinging tightly to what they saw as their "American roots." They resisted exploring Korean cuisine, learning the culture, or attempting the language. Their identity became anchored in “being American”—though there was never a consistent interpretation of what that meant.

I chose a different path.

Within three months, I had learned to read, write, and speak conversational Korean. While those language skills have faded over two decades, the deeper lesson remains crystal clear: cultural identity isn't a “root” that anchors us in place—it's a “route” that enables us to explore, grow, and connect.

This distinction between roots and routes isn't just wordplay.

When you view culture as roots, you often become rigid, defensive, and resistant to change. You see your cultural identity as something to protect rather than something to develop. You miss opportunities for growth and connection.

But when you embrace culture as routes, everything changes.

Routes suggest movement, possibility, and choice. They remind you that culture isn't just something you inherit—it's something you actively shape through your choices and interactions.

This shift in perspective transforms how you show up as a leader.

Routes Over Roots: A Leadership Superpower

Think about a GPS system for a moment. It doesn't just show you where you are—it reveals all the possible paths forward. When you view culture as routes rather than roots, you gain the same expansive view of possibilities.

This perspective shift unlocks 3 powerful leadership capacities:

1. Enhanced Adaptability: When you see culture as routes, you stop asking "What must I preserve?" and start asking "Where can I grow?"

2. Deeper Connections: Routes-thinking helps you meet others where they are, creating authentic bridges between different cultural perspectives.

3. Greater Innovation: By freeing yourself from cultural constraints, you open new pathways for creative problem-solving and growth.

This isn't just theory—it's transformation in action.

Consider my experience in South Korea. Learning the language wasn't just about communication—it was about showing respect, building trust, and creating connections that enriched both my leadership and my life.

Those who viewed their cultural identity as roots during their time in South Korea often struggled with isolation and resistance.

Those who saw culture as routes found opportunities for growth, connection, and impact.

The Path to Cultural Routes

The journey from roots to routes-thinking begins with awareness.

Notice when you're clinging to cultural "shoulds" that limit your possibilities. Pay attention to moments when fear of losing your roots prevents you from exploring new routes.

Then, consider these questions:

• What cultural assumptions am I treating as fixed that could be fluid?

• Where might viewing culture as routes open new possibilities?

• How could this shift enhance my leadership impact?

The goal isn't to abandon your cultural foundation—it's to use it as a launching pad rather than an anchor.

FROM INSIGHT TO ACTION
Your Cultural Routes Exploration Plan

Here's a practical framework for developing your cultural routes mindset:

1. Daily Routes Check: At the end of each day, identify one moment where you viewed culture as roots and imagine how a routes perspective might have created different possibilities.

2. Cultural Routes Journal: Document your experiences exploring new cultural territories, whether through language, customs, or connections.

3. Routes Reflection: Weekly, ask yourself: "Where am I creating new cultural routes? Where am I still stuck in roots thinking?"

Remember, My friend, shifting from roots to routes isn't about losing who you are—it's about expanding who you can become.

DEEPENING YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Resources for You

🗺️ Want to understand how cultural differences shape leadership? Erin Meyer provides practical frameworks for navigation. (Link)

🌱 Ready to develop greater cultural intelligence? This HBR article offers concrete steps. (Link)

🌍 Looking for practical strategies to lead well across cultures? This resource provides actionable insights. (Link)

EXCELLENCE UNBOUNDED
How I Can Help You

🚀 CEO Coaching Programs: Are you a CEO who wants to:

• Skillfully navigate uncertainty 

• Lead confidently

• Drive results

Developing greater leadership capacity in 4 key domains (Mindset, Courage, Resilience, & Innovation) will empower you to do all three.

Book time to learn about the bespoke 1:1 coaching programs I deliver. During this call, we will talk about your challenges, your goals, and how we might partner to fully “unbound your excellence.”

🎤 Speaking Engagements: My mom can attest to the fact that I LOVE to talk. 😂 Now, I put that talent to work delivering talks on Mindset, Courage, Resilience, & Innovation.

A few past clients include KraftHeinz, Amazon Women @ Payments, PAHEi, & the Panamá Chapter of the International Coaching Federation (I delivered this talk in Spanish).

If you are interested in having me speak at your event, please fill out this form.

Until next Sunday,

Shawnette