Working in a global company can be an exciting and rewarding career choice. But it also requires you to adapt to different cultures, languages, and perspectives. How can you develop a global mindset that helps you communicate, collaborate, and innovate across borders and time zones? Here are some tips to get you started.
One of the best ways to develop a global mindset is to learn from people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and views than you. Seek out opportunities to interact with colleagues, customers, and partners from other countries and regions. Ask them about their culture, values, and expectations. Listen to their stories, insights, and feedback. Be curious and respectful, and avoid making assumptions or judgments.
Three recommendations I have include: 1. Embrace Diversity: Value and celebrate cultural differences within your organization and beyond. Seek opportunities to learn from individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. 2. Stay Curious: Remain open-minded and curious about different cultures, languages, and business practices. Take the initiative to learn about global trends and developments. 3. Engage in Cross-Cultural Experiences: Actively seek out opportunities to work with international teams, travel to different countries, or participate in multicultural events to broaden your perspective. Personally, I love exploring culture through various cuisine and when possible, sharing a meal with someone of that culture/geography.
My favorite way to learn about others and their culture, language, and customs is from them directly. Ask questions, listen to stories, attend community event, try new food, and ask about cultural etiquette! What may be the norm for you might be taboo for another. And the most human centered way to learn that is by speaking to one another. ??
Another way to develop a global mindset is to expand your knowledge of the world and its diversity. Read books, articles, and blogs that expose you to different perspectives and issues. Watch documentaries, films, and shows that portray different cultures and realities. Learn a new language, or at least some basic phrases and greetings. Follow the news and trends in the markets and industries that interest you. Stay informed and open-minded.
A third way to develop a global mindset is to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Volunteer for projects or assignments that involve working with people from different countries or functions. Travel to new places, or join virtual events and communities that connect you with people from around the world. Seek feedback and coaching from mentors or peers who can help you improve your skills and performance. Embrace change and uncertainty.
A fourth way to develop a global mindset is to reflect on yourself and your own biases, assumptions, and preferences. How do you perceive yourself and others? How do you communicate and behave in different situations? How do you cope with stress and conflict? How do you learn and grow? Be honest and self-aware, and acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Seek to understand yourself better, and to appreciate the diversity of others.
A fifth way to develop a global mindset is to cultivate empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathy helps you to build trust, rapport, and collaboration with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Empathy also helps you to avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and mistakes that can damage your relationships and reputation. To cultivate empathy, practice active listening, ask open-ended questions, express appreciation, and show support.
Empathy is an underrated but highly critical skill that is needed and will continue to be needed in the coming years. Contrary to what one might think, empathy is not just an innate trait we’re born with, but also a muscle that you can build and strengthen over time. By practicing your ability to understand another person’s lived experience in spite of not being in their shoes, you cultivate a mindset of being able to understand people from different cultures and backgrounds.
A sixth way to develop a global mindset is to think globally, which means to consider the big picture and the long-term impact of your actions and decisions. Thinking globally helps you to align your goals and strategies with the vision and values of your company and your stakeholders. Thinking globally also helps you to identify opportunities and risks, and to adapt to changing situations and demands. To think globally, ask yourself how your work affects others, what are the best practices and standards, and what are the possible scenarios and outcomes.
If you work in a global company; consider the following: - Any possibilty of you travelling to a country with an entirely different cultural and socio-economic background or even being relocated there ? These experiences, big or small can make a huge difference in the way you communicate, break barriers and exercise your own biases with greater cultural intelligence and empathy. - Open your mind to being more agile, more open and flexible. This can definitely make a difference to the way you work and challenge some of your previous ways of working.
Develop a global mindset by embracing cultural diversity, seeking international experiences, cultivating cross-cultural communication skills, staying informed about global trends, and fostering empathy and openness to different perspectives.