Globalization of Leaders

Adding value abroad

A true global leader successfully influences people, organizations and systems, that are all unlike those at home, to achieve positive results.

EARLY in our lives, we learn to behave like the people around us, who think, act and live like us. We learn a certain way of living and imbibe the local culture. We are not comfortable with those “strange” people who are unlike us and tend to keep our distance from them.

Cultivating a global mindset requires unlearning this way of thinking. And it is not enough to develop a temporary tolerance towards the strangers.

A true global leader successfully influences people, organizations and systems that are all unlike those at home to achieve positive results. Often, that involves striking the right balance between ingrained values and culture, and what is expected in the specific foreign setting.

When in Rome

No, you need not become a Roman. Because you will always be unique. It is the diversity that makes a global setup richer. However, you must master the Roman way of getting things done. You may have to put in an extra effort, and you will be surprised.

My stints in different countries have given me a fair share of surprises. In Germany, I was judged based on my performance at work between 9 in the morning and 5 in the evening. In some countries in the East, the assessment started typically after 5, over a copious flow of alcohol. In one or two Gulf countries, I was hosted and entertained for a few days before I could even begin to put in some real work. You cannot get impatient and try to impose your way at a new place. Nor do you need to cave in silently.

Let not the fear of betraying your ignorance of foreign ways force you into silence. Stay curious. Ask questions. At the very least, it is likely to open  a two-way communication, which can be richly rewarding at and off work.

Make a significant addition

A CEO from Germany, who had spent many years in India, once told me he had great respect for Indian managerial skill and experience. However, he felt that Indians could have a flying start if they paid attention to two areas—flexibility and communication.

“Strong Indian managers tend to be tigers at home. Everything happens as they will it and they get a little rigid in their ways. Put them in a different country and suddenly they are floundering. Yes, the best of them do recover fast and find their stride. It would be a lot easier if they remain open to change or force change every now and then, even at home. After all, change is the new constant, and a leader should find comfort in any zone,” he said.

He was yet to come across an Indian leader who had problems with English, but communication was a different matter altogether. “In a new setting, I have seen many of my colleagues from India trying to say too much, too fast. My advice to them is to slow down. The potential for confusion is directly proportionate to the speed and volume of your communication. Try to be precise. Take your time.”

A rigid approach and imprecise communication may not be the bane of every Indian leader working abroad, but all can make a significant difference by consciously working towards that.

Initially, one tends to stick to the expected and the acceptable. However, the sooner one breaks out of this and makes a conscious attempt to be bold in thinking and action (without being offensive), the faster one can make a mark as a distinctive leader on the global platform. Of course, what is significant will depend on many factors, but the idea is not to get bogged down by foreign conditions.

Join the network

It is important to quickly understand issues pertaining to the local government and politics. The local market might behave in a radically different fashion compared to what you are used to at home. Make it a point to adapt to and blend into the local business ecosystem.

The sooner you learn to speak the local language, the faster you are accepted as one of “them”.  Knowing the culturally right behavior is important—should you slurp your tea? bow or shake hands? is a joke the right way to break the ice?

Empathy pays

We are all human beings, regardless of where we are, how we are brought up and how we live. Empathy is a fine quality that can overcome any barrier. Avoid snappy judgments and hasty decisions until you have had a chance to understand the why of a “strange” behavior or action.

Prefer to be a listener. Respect culture even if it appears to be diametrically opposite what you are used to. Be responsible for your actions.

As a global leader, you will often be responsible for imparting knowledge and transferring skills to your team in another country. You can get the best out of the team only if they trust you and count on you to take an extra step for the benefit of the whole team.

Your turn

What single factor helped you feel most at home professionally, when you were posted or travelled abroad the first time?

Mohan G. Joshi