19 January 2024|intercultural, leadership skills Caroline Gregory
How to use Your Honesty for Global Success
If you look at someone who is successful globally and communicates well with all cultures, there is one thing which stands out. The one thing is their honesty.
They are honest in terms of being accepting and having humility. That means not being judgemental or assuming status because they are working in their first language, are from head office, or are from a supposedly richer or more developed country.
They are also honest in terms of being open to new ideas, new ways of doing things, and to differences. Honest people keep learning and have permanent curiosity and interest.
Honesty and Humility
You can’t judge a team member or colleague or someone at an interview until you have taken culture, both yours and theirs, out of the picture. If you understand the culture first you will then understand the person well, and your business relationship will be more effective and successful.
Don’t assume everyone globally is in the same position as you. For example, perhaps the colleague you have asked to work on an urgent project is not:
Working with reliable and high-speed internet coverage.
Able to access affordable internet when onsite or at home.
Working with heating or air conditioning when it is necessary.
Able to have access to relevant books, equipment, or membership of professional organisations.
Able to speak, listen, and write in the language you’re communicating in with ease.
Getting home early enough to have free time at the end of the workday because of working long hours or facing long travel times.
Able to feel as confident as you do in asking for help or admitting they have made a mistake.
Honesty and New Ideas
It is easy to be culturally aware and flexible when things are going well. However, when the work situation is pressurised, it is not so easy, but honesty is essential. So, regularly remind yourself not to assume that yours is the right or the best way, or indeed the only way. Be honest with yourself.
Don’t assume you can’t learn throughout your career even if you work in the head office. Assume that you can learn from everyone – wherever they are from, whatever language they speak, however senior or junior they are.
A useful strategy is to read the news about the countries and regions of people you are working with. Then, if something major has happened, you can either reference it, or at least be aware of it. Your conversation and business relationship will be better because of your knowledge and ultimately more successful as you will have learnt more and shown humility in this learning.
Quotes about honesty
“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson
“No legacy is so rich as honesty.” – William Shakespeare
“Honesty is the best policy.” – Benjamin Franklin
“If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.” – Marcus Aurelius
“Moral authority comes from following universal and timeless principles like honesty, integrity, treating people with respect”. – Stephen Covey
Further Reading
Winners never Cheat by Jon Huntsman
Some Jon Huntsman quotes,
“Nice guys really can and do finish first in life”
“There should not be a conflict between making a profit and adhering to traditional principles of decency and fairness.”
“Make the underpinnings of your life a string of f-words (phonetically, at least): family, faith, fortitude, fairness, fidelity, friendship, and philanthropy.”
Making kindness your key to global intercultural success
If you would like to improve your intercultural leadership skills or schedule one on one coaching contact our Director Caroline Gregory via our Contact Form.