101: Thinking Globally
Can all leaders manage global organizations? What about when a multinational firm is transitioning to a more truly global company and needs to be in tune with other countries' cultures, market forces and growth potential? Sometimes it may not be enough to simply transfer a manager from one's home country overseas. Cross-cultural skills are in demand, so here are three ways to build global leaders that will ensure your company's bottom line reaps all the benefits it can overseas:
Breed diversity. In a Harvard Business Review article, Bill George suggests that too many companies still leave important multinational decisions in the hands of a few members of their home country, then send them overseas. George suggests following the lead of Coca-Cola, in Atlanta. “As early as the 1960s, the company was run by South African Paul Austin. Since that time, Coca-Cola has had Cuban, Australian, and Irish CEOs, leading to today's CEO, Turkish-American Muhtar Kent,” he writes.
Technology isn't always a help. In fact, it can be a barrier to doing business, according to an article at GlobalIntegration.com. Accessibility can also be an issue. And emails can introduce misunderstandings and delay. “They need to be able to choose and use the right technology for the right communications task,” the article says of executives managing on a global scale. Conference calls, web conferences and video are often more effective.
Encourage open mindedness. Throw your managers and yourself into the unfamiliar. “Respect and explore other cultures, welcome new experiences and seize opportunities to work with people of other nationalities,” advises an adaptation of “Join the Global Elite” by Gregory C. Unruh and Ángel Cabrera at HBR.org. The main focus should be on bringing out the best in people, no matter how they look, where they're from or what languages they speak.
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Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
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