How global are you?
A global citizen
I have lived abroad for over 12 years now, and I think I am a global citizen. My London accent has disappeared (at least until I get back to London) and I am often called Australian or even ...German!
I tell people my Irish heritage gives me my sense of humor, my education is English through and through, and finally my business acumen has been honed in Asia. I have set up private sector companies and non-profit organizations in China and experienced many ups-and-downs. With an incredible amount of foreign companies investing and setting up operations in China, the need to build cross-cultural partnerships has grown.
Overseas working experience deepens Chinese talent pool
Companies who invest in China are taking steps to develop a talent pool with international perspectives and business acumen. Global companies are leading the way by leveraging their network and resources.
I worked as a corporate trainer with Ernst & Young, an international accounting firm, and helped prepare high potential managerial staff for 18-month working assignments in the UK, Canada or the United States. Staff enjoy international working experience, improve their language skills and return to the home office knowing their future promotion prospects are good. This method is also used at the operational level.
HSBC, a global bank, sent high performing data operators overseas to train colleagues in South East Asia -- a perfect combination of rewarding good performance and developing people skills. Coaches help Chinese executives communicate effectively with Head Offices
At the executive level, coaching is a valuable tool to bridge cultural differences.
A common issue that coaches resolve is helping Chinese directors communicate with overseas country managers and upper level management in head offices. More frequent communication tele conference calls provide challenges for Chinese colleagues. Non-verbal signals like body language are not available to facilitate understanding and accents can be more difficult to understand. Overseas colleagues who speak English as a second language themselves, like French and Indian colleagues, with strong accents make quick understanding a challenge. Overseas executives need to slow down and adjust their voices to ensure their messages are being heard and understood.
China's hierarchical society means that local executives will not challenge a US executive's directive and will sometimes not wish to clarify or question. This is due to cultural and educational history (started with Confucius). US executives have to take the initiative to test that their local management are really on the same page. Go beyond getting a "Yes", and seek for greater demonstration of understanding. Effective communication is a two-way commitment. Simple checking can overcome many cultural obstacles.
Warwick John Fahy is a professional speech coach and expert in presentation
skills, public speaking and communication skills. You can email him at
for more information. He offers an initial complimentary telephone
coaching sessions.
Call him at +86 21 6101 0486 or visit him on the Web at www.warwickjohnfahy.com for more information about his services. For entrepreneurs looking to source, trade, invest or learn more about doing business in China, contact Warwick to tap into a network of successful professionals. Investor visits and matchmaking can be arranged.