Skill Builder

Inner Leadership with No Formal Title

Aisha recently graduated with a degree in Business Administration and has joined a large international company as a project coordinator. Her team is made up of employees from diverse cultural backgrounds — some are from the U.S., others from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. In her first project, Aisha notices several challenges:
 
  • Miscommunication occurs because of different communication styles.
  • One team member prefers a very direct style, which others perceive as rude.
  • Some employees hesitate to share ideas, fearing misunderstandings.

Although Aisha does not hold a formal management position, she demonstrates inner leadership. She listens actively, encourages respectful dialogue, highlights the strengths of diversity, and suggests cross-cultural “pairings” so colleagues can learn from one another. She also models patience during conflicts. By the end of the quarter, the team shows stronger collaboration, increased trust, and improved project outcomes. 

To successfully complete this activity, answer all of the questions below until you have correctly answered each one. Take your time to reflect on each of the "think about it" questions.  


#1
Which of the following best demonstrates Aisha’s inner leadership?


#2
Aisha used to avoid conflict but learned strategies to support open dialogue. What does this suggest about leadership?


#3
If the project manager ensures tasks meet deadlines while Aisha builds trust and inclusion, what long-term outcome most likely results?


#4
Which of Aisha’s traits most directly helped reduce tension in the team?


#5
If Aisha had enforced rigid communication protocols without adapting to cultural differences, what would most likely have been the result?


Done!