8 January 2024|intercultural, leadership skills Caroline Gregory
Three things to do consistently
Here are the three things which I have seen consistently in the outstanding global leaders: interest in everyone, tolerance, and generosity.
These three things, after many decades and many thousands of people met in the training room, I often consider make the best global leaders. As we begin 2024 this question is perhaps even more important than before.
Interest in everyone
Always be interested even in the later stages of your career. Even when you are very experienced. Never stop being interested, open to new ways of doing things and new ways of things. Be a lifelong learner about other cultures and other people.
Tolerance
Be tolerant patient and kind with everyone. Don’t react too quickly but consider whether what you are hearing or seeing has a cultural element. Perhaps someone is not giving the reply you want because they haven’t understood you correctly, or culturally feel restricted in how they answer you. Don’t assume your way is the best way even if you work at the HQ or are operating in your first language. Never stop wondering about other ways of doing things.
Generosity
Be generous with your time with everyone you meet. Not just in direct contact with them but also learning about their background, their country and culture and so their ways of doing things. Even when your workload is heavy, keep the focus on people not just on what needs to be accomplished. In the long run, it will save you time. Take time to pass on what you have learnt and to explain differences.
So much positive can come from someone who is displaying these characteristics. People learn by example and good things trickle down. The outstanding leaders influence not just their own teams and organisations but the wider community too. Of course, the opposite is also true and needs to be counterbalanced all the time.
Happy New Year for 2024 to everyone aim to follow these three things, and may this be a year of global interest, generosity, and tolerance.
Further Reading
Tolerance – article on Wikipedia
How to use Your Honesty for Global Success
If you would like to improve your intercultural leadership skills or schedule one on one coaching contact our Director Caroline Gregory via contact form