In China, companies are often asked to make sacrifices for the interest of the nation. That idea is strange for foreigners to grasp; however, you must be fully aware that if your organization decides to open operations in China, you must fully convince the government why your proposal is good for the nation, the economy …

In China, companies are often asked to make sacrifices for the interest of the nation. That idea is strange for foreigners to grasp; however, you must be fully aware that if your organization decides to open operations in China, you must fully convince the government why your proposal is good for the nation, the economy …

Many times you may find yourself working in different situations and struggle to adapt to the local scene. At times, you may cope by stating that you already know all there is to know about your situation. How many times have you thought or commented to yourself the following? “I know how to change already!” “I …

  Below I tell a story of a mind-bending mystery from the world of folklore, see if you could solve it on your own, if you struggle, reach out to me for the answer:   People are always wishing. But once in China a man got his wish, which was to see the difference between heaven …

What does a global leader look like? Are they walking around with any distinct features, or special characteristics that brand or identify them? Just because you have an excellent executive in your home country who has given you great results year after year, doesn’t mean you can place them on a jet and send them …

Unconscious bias is all the talk in diversity these days. It is as if someone turned on a switch and companies everywhere are adding unconscious bias training to their diversity programs. I am not against it, but it has been part of cultural training and diversity for decades. The only thing that happened is it …

In developing global leaders one of the most important principles is that a deep understanding of one’s relationship to one’s own culture is crucial for top performance in a new culture. Our customs, attitudes and ways of getting things done, things that we take for granted in our own lives, are not just “the way …

When communicating, the American is listening for signs that his or her individual accomplishments have been noted and appreciated: a compliment, a positive tone of voice, some evidence that the other person is impressed is what he or she is expecting. The American, however, is not likely to get much attention from some of their …

Your global leadership persona depends on your knowing about yourself… including your culture. Once you understand your own cultural values, you will then be able to develop a global leadership persona that is true to you and that will allow you to understand your surroundings. You will be able to work within a global environment, …

While on my daily run, I saw a large child’s play gym set firmly on a neighbor’s front lawn. I thought… oh my, what have they done, placing that large structure on their front lawn? How silly. As I approached the house, I kept trying to find the gym, but, it had disappeared. I wondered, …