Dr. Fons Trompenaars in my hero. Over the past 18 years he has taught me about how culture enhances or destroys trust, communication and collaboration through his research on the Seven Dimensions of Culture. Trust is a critical component in your ability to foster effective leadership, teamwork and inclusivity in the culture of your organization. The national culture you live in affects your organizational culture and therefore your company’s competitiveness.

Last week I sat down with Mette Johansson to discuss her upcoming book on authentic leadership. We discussed how being an authentic leader means actively living your core values in the cultures you live in and the relationships you have. I then read the article by Michael O’Malley of HBR on the 10 Principles of Effective Leadership and made the connection that effective organizations are led by authentic leaders.