A few months ago a study came out saying that "developing a global mindset" is the number one concern for leaders today. Leaders have recognized the need for their workforce to be able to think AND act globally to meet demanding business needs.  

The Financial Times Lexicon defines a global mindset as, "...one that combines an openness to and awareness of diversity across cultures and markets with a propensity and ability to see common patterns across countries and markets." 

So, how do we learn to think and act globally- that is, to develop a global mindset - in order to positively impact our business? Here are 5 ways to start:

1)Seek out alternative business news reports. Set your browser to open to a website which reports on global news. You'll get a whole new perspective on global business operations.

2)Get out of the hotel. While you're traveling on business in another country, don't just stay in your hotel, go to areas where locals hang out. Ask questions about how it is to live and work there and tell them about how it is to live and work in your home country. 

3)Talk about cultural diversity. At your next team meeting, talk about how culture impacts business. Ask the team (if its culturally diverse), how they believe culture impacts daily communication.   

4)Go to lunch with someone you don't know. Today most of our organizations have quite a bit of diversity, ask someone from another culture (who you don't know) to go to lunch and exchange best practices in business.

5)Take a course. There are lots of courses out there on cross cultural communication, attend one that covers a few cultural perspectives, like Melissa's course on Innovation from Cross Cultural Teamwork. (click on the link for more information) 

Sometimes people from China are reluctant to jump in and make a direct contribution in a meeting or training session. The Chinese usually present themselves as an attentive, respectful, but rather passive audience, by European or North American standards. General questions towards the audience usually go unanswered, even when directed towards a specific person, but this is also influenced by hierarchy levels in the room or perceived authority figures. Managers or professionals with experience in international firms might be more talkative, (sit in the first row and ask questions).

Tips for Leading Meetings with the Chinese:

• Socialize. The Chinese feel more comfortable speaking up or making decisions once they trust another person, socializing is key to building trust.  
• Break into small group discussions. Participants feel more comfortable presenting in a smaller group of peers. 
• Plan ahead and allow time for conversations. During breaks and after the meeting or workshop attendees are more willing to present their thoughts on a one on one basis.  
• Animate your presentations. The chinese also prefer to have more pictures in their presentations, so use more photos and graphics.

CONTACT:

Melissa Lamson

Lamson Consulting LLC

www.lamsonconsulting.com

melissa.lamson@lamsonconsulting.com

tel: +1.650.283.2765

Corporate Social Responsibility is part of the culture of California...

*** 

There will be no slave labor in the SV!

California has introduced a new law requiring  

thousands of companies to make sure that slave labor isn't part of the supply chain.  

American Business Culture Tip