Articles by Debbie Nicol

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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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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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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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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Essential Mechanisms to Survive Corporate Life Abroad

At what cost is an expatriate life?

An international manager stands to gains so much in life, yet lets not forget how much he can also forsake!  When the going gets tough, or when a natural or man-made disaster strikes, what is it that really counts?     Three Examples of Real Life Experiences   One   The Kenya Mall Attack has demonstrated how vulnerable expats (and humanity in total) really can be.  An embassy worker decided to get the groceries from her favorite shopping center and enjoy a relaxing...Continue reading

By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on November 7, 2013

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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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Debbie Nicol

Managing Director, 'business en motion'

Debbie Nicol Managing Director 'business en motion'   Biography   Debbie’s career has been solely dedicated to embedding life-long learning into organizational behavior, enabling people to be business owners and drivers. Commencing her career as a teacher, Debbie soon developed a passion for organizational development, applying it across Hotel Management Companies in property, regional and International leadership roles.   Recognizing opportunity in alternate industries, her...Continue reading

By Debbie NicolPosted in International Management on July 21, 2013

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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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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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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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