1. Find out about a country's actual national sport.
If you live in a football-obsessed culture it may be hard to conceive of any other sport having any cultural resonance. But it may surprise you to learn that even some of the best footballing nations do not consider football to be their national sport.
In Argentina, the national sport since 1953 has been Pato - a game played on horseback which combines elements from polo and basketball. And in Brazil - the most successful footballing nation - the national sport is Capoeira; a martial art that combines dance acrobatics and music.
Capoeira is the national sport of Brazil
2. Remind yourself that football is not culturally male
The idea that football is not for girls is a sentiment that is becoming increasingly archaic. Over the last decade especially, professional women's football has grown enourmously. FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011 saw a massive spike in interest from spectators and the media alike. So remember it's not all about the men and support the growth of women's football when you can.
3. Take note of the social impact
Increasingly, major sporting events are becoming opportunities to rebuild infrastructure, boost tourism and leave a positive sustainable impact on the people of the host nation. But Brasil 2014 is not unique in the fact that its social implications have been shrouded in both optimism and controversy. Make sure you don't just watch the football - find out the effects the tournament has and will have on the people of Brasil itself.
Will the costly tournament have been worth it for the people of Brazil?
4. Compromise with a friend
A really good way to develop your CQ during the World Cup is to watch a game with a friend who hates football, and then return the favour by promising to do something with them that they love. Be prepared though - whether their chosen activity is acid jazz or a spoken word night, you have to follow through. But in doing so, you may well strengthen your relationship with them.
5. Find a new way to celebrate
In South Africa 2010, we could have all given the vuvuzelas a miss - but why not take the World Cup as an opportunity to celebrate as other cultures might? You could give the Roger Milla dance a go, or samba like the brazillians.
6. Find out the players' stories
People with good CQ normally have a deep interest in other people. So when the gladiatorial hype surrounding the superstars inevitably becomes tedious, make sure you do find out about some of the fascinating stories behind the players. Such as Javad Nekounam - the talisman whose goal got Iran through to their 4th ever World Cup. Or Balon D'or nominee Frank Ribery who worked as a construction worker before becoming a professional footballer.
What will you do?
Whether you love football, hate football, or are largely indifferent, the World Cup represents the coming together of 32 different nations and countless different cultures. As such, it is a fantastic way to start thinking about Cultural Intelligence.
Let us know what you will be doing to develop your CQ during the FIFA World Cup.
Comments below.
