Newsletter - February 2010
Working Globally - Personal Thoughts
February 11, 2010 - Dr. David C. Miles
If you embark on and continue to grow your Global practice you must be prepared to face some additional challenges than just working in North America. These fall into three major categories: 1.) Personal health and Safety; 2.) Self awareness of just how our level of day to day lifestyle is not shared around the globe; and 3.) Political beliefs are integrated into our comments and conversations. All three areas can “destroy” your credibility and discredit your message. A few comments on each of these areas should highlight the key message.
Personal Health and Safety:
Many of the growing countries have significant, but in many cases unpublicized issues, with crime, safety, and water and food safety. Where these issues are severe, you will have guidance from websites and travel agencies and Embassies. Where the issues are not considered serious you still have to be on your guard. It is well known in many counties that Americans are highly trusting and are therefore vulnerable to petty crimes and pick pockets. Our style of casual and open travel also makes us vulnerable to these issues. On the food and water safety, it is not one of necessarily good or bad, but one which we have not been used to, nor one to which we have built a resistance to what we would consider impurities. In all cases a higher sense of caution and awareness is called for. You may even consider having a medical evacuation policy in case of severe illness while travelling in countries where you would not want to be hospitalized.
Self Awareness of Lifestyle:
Our affluence of the middle class is not as universal as we think. Therefore we take for granted such issues as single family homes, health services, large refrigerators, separate bedrooms and personal cars and SUVs. To others outside our country these are either not possible or not part of the middle class. It really gets down to the definition of what is the middle class. Therefore we make assumptions on lifestyles and opportunities that are not part of many cultures. As a consultant it is important to become aware of how our affluence and lifestyle create judgmental and decision factors that are not equally shared. It is important when advising that you check the premises of your advice to see if they are valid in the cultural setting of the participant. If possible it would be helpful to gain some insights in this area before embarking on the project.
Political Beliefs:
By all means this can be a deal breaker. It is important to be educated but not opinionated. This applies to our politics as well as the politics of the country you will be working in. Americans have developed a reputation that is not necessarily shared by the rest of the world. This is neither good nor bad; it just has no place when you are consulting. We are very open with our opinions and that is fostered by our “news” media shows. In many other countries this is not allowed. Therefore sharing your viewpoint is not a conversation that is appropriate. For a lesson in gaining a better understanding it is advisable to stay out of this area of conversation. If you are there on a consulting assignment, it is best to stick with your objective and not venture into political discussions.
In summary, Global Consulting can be a tremendous learning experience for you, your firm and the client. As our world markets evolve into a true Global business, we all will have to learn about multiple cultures and different ways of the World Economy. It is an exciting journey for those who are not faint of heart or mind.
Dr. David Miles is managing partner of OI Partners - Miles LeHane Companies (Leesburg, VA, District of Columbia and Maryland), a career management consulting firm specializing in HR consulting, executive coaching, career transition, and training and development. Previously, David had a broad 25-year career within the Saga/Marriott corporations. David received his Ed.D. degree in education and human development from The George Washington University in 2002. He can be contacted at 800-327-3370 or dmiles@oipartners.net.