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June 27, 2013
The Mind Of An International Manager – Open or closed for business?
Three essentials to pave the way for unity & success.
By Debbie Nicol, Managing Director, 'business en motion"
As international managers are often ‘on the move’, they can find themselves in unknown territory, affording many opportunities for open minds to show respect, understanding and empathy. Conversely, facing unknown territory with a closed mind can communicate ignorance and arrogance, as sadly demonstrated in this video.
To pave the way for unity & success during international assignments, take care with...Continue reading
By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on June 27, 2013
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May 28, 2013
International Business: Dealing With Corruption When It’s The Norm
6 Tips To Balancing Ethical Obligations With Realistic Expectations
By Debbie Nicol, Managing Director, 'business en motion"
There are international assignments and then there are INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS! You may well ask – what could be the difference? Corruption is most certainly one of those differentiating factors that can truly test a manager in a new culture. The problem for you is that these practices, although they go against every legal and ethical standard you personally live by, are acceptable and competitive practices in your new...Continue reading
By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on May 28, 2013
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April 30, 2013
3 Tips For Integrating Corporate Culture Into Developing Nations
How does your leadership approach change from country to country?
By Debbie Nicol, Managing Director, 'business en motion"
Developing nations are just that – developing! Similar to a child, as he or she develops, time is spent gathering information, experiencing different perspectives, receiving guidance, strengthening foundations and making choices that will provide a road to their desired future. This process is no different for developing nations. International organizations must take all of this into consideration when they establish...Continue reading
By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on April 30, 2013
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March 21, 2013
3 Tips To Understanding Cultural Differences Before You Act
When Communication Meets Culture
By Debbie Nicol, Managing Director, 'business en motion"
Communication makes the world go around – or does it? When a person enters a new work & country culture, communication challenges seem to top the list of ‘lessons learned’. Why is it that an international manager can get something so basic, so wrong? The reasons can be seen contextualised in three everyday communication scenarios:
Meetings
Individualised feedback
Providing Instructions
Following...Continue reading
By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on March 21, 2013
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February 14, 2013
How To Manage Cultural Differences That Come As A Surprise
Reflections From a Day at the Thai Theatre
By Debbie Nicol, Managing Director, 'business en motion"
One bright afternoon in downtown Bangkok, I ventured into a movie theater and experienced a tradition I had not experienced in any other country. Prior to the show, all patrons were requested to stand in respect to a tribute to the living king and a celebration of his contributions. Neither right nor wrong, just simply ‘what is’ in the land of smiles! Whilst of course I respected the request, I also further...Continue reading
By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on February 14, 2013
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January 16, 2013
3 Tips to Consider Before Taking International Assignments
Make working in a remote location a win-win, not your corporate downfall.
By Debbie Nicol, Managing Director, 'business en motion'
Your current company has just offered you a most exciting corporate challenge indeed! It’s one that will certainly stretch you and move you one step closer to your ultimate goal. The opportunities that are likely to stem from this are beyond your wildest dreams! Yet, it IS in the newest and most remote corner of the globe! Here are three tips to ensure you make a well-informed decision about this employment...Continue reading
By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on January 16, 2013
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December 13, 2012
Building International Leadership Credibility
What content, actions or practices will influence your leadership credibility; the ability to face and work through struggles on overseas assignments?
By Debbie Nicol, Managing Director, 'business en motion'
According to Kouzes and Posner, credibility is the currency of leadership. Credibility is ‘smelt and felt’ by all around you, and is mirrored in self-confidence and following.
With the world changing, the context of leadership is most certainly changing, yet Kouzes and Posner’s research shows that content remains the same. What content, actions or practices will influence your leadership credibility; the...Continue reading
By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on December 13, 2012
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November 14, 2012
When Can Adaptability Slip Into Compromise? Pitfalls of International Management
Learn how to balance your approach to cultural norms without losing sight of your objectives.
By Debbie Nicol, Managing Director, 'business en motion'
On some recent business trips, I managed to find a moment to visit the natural wonders of local beaches. In Ghana, the width and breadth of the beach and ocean was a patchwork of blue and black plastic bags whilst on mainland Thailand, the first 200m offshore proudly displayed brown-green ocean water, silently persuading those blue ocean lovers to remain on terra firma. These observations reinforced a previous insight, or was it an...Continue reading
By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on November 14, 2012
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October 7, 2012
Adventures of an Expat: Defining Basic Needs
International Management requires understanding individual logic that may not be your own.
By Debbie Nicol, Managing Director, 'business en motion"
I often reflect on one of my earliest overseas postings, when I moved from my native Australia to Malaysia, a move I now see as simply ‘next door’, yet at the time literally turned my life upside down. I was invited to join an international hotel chain and hence live in the hotel whilst also working in it.
As it really was my first expatriate position, I look back now in awe at the level of curiosity and...Continue reading
By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on October 7, 2012
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September 15, 2012
Lost In Translation: Survival Tips for International Managers
When the art of leading in other cultures may be foreign to the leader himself.
By Debbie Nicol, Managing Director, 'business en motion"
‘Lost in Translation’ normally applies to a context of vocabulary and conversation. It strikingly, and sometimes hilariously, results in misunderstandings, undesired outcomes and unintended reactions of shock and horror. Could ‘Lost in Translation’ also apply to international management, the art of leading others in cultures that may be foreign to the leader himself?
Three common areas can have a huge...Continue reading
By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on September 15, 2012
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