Top 6 traits of Expats who thrive, how do you stack up?

This year marks my 22nd year working in agency recruitment, with a decade specifically focused on recruiting expats for roles in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Asia Pacific region. Over this time, I have had the privilege of engaging with a diverse array of expats and listening to their tales of navigating life and work in challenging, developing world environments.

Through these interactions and after successfully placing over 300 expats across various roles and industries, I have come to understand the qualities that consistently contribute to their success.

While qualifications and experience are important, it is the intangible traits that truly define an exceptional expat who will thrive in these environments.

If you are considering an expat position, it would be a good investment of your time to measure your alignment with the following 6 traits.? ?

1. Cultural Adaptation

During your tenure in a foreign country, you will inevitably find yourself immersed in diverse cultures. Integrating into the local community involves not only adapting to cultural norms but also actively honouring and embracing them. By demonstrating respect for the culture and people in every aspect of your life abroad, you contribute positively to your host community and will foster meaningful connections.

As an expat, it is paramount to approach this cultural immersion with respect and reverence.

When relocating with your partner or family, it's crucial to ensure they feel a sense of belonging and can truly make the country their home. This involves actively engaging with the local community and avoiding the temptation to solely interact within expat circles or confine oneself behind compound walls.

The individuals and families that flourish are those that wholeheartedly embrace their surroundings. This entails actively seeking opportunities to participate in community events, joining local sports teams, and dedicating time to understand the cultural nuances.

By immersing yourselves in the community and demonstrating a genuine interest in local customs and traditions, you not only enrich your own experience but also contribute positively to the social fabric of your new home.

2. Positive Mindset

Positivity is a trait I prioritise when evaluating candidates for expat opportunities, maintaining a "glass-half-full" mentality is important when navigating the challenges of living and working in a new environment. It is easy to feel frustrated by the slower pace or external factors beyond one’s control, but adopting a positive outlook can make all the difference.

Expats frequently hold leadership positions, and their attitude sets the tone for the entire organisation. Cultivating a positive mindset not only boosts morale but also fosters resilience in the face of adversity. By approaching each day as a new opportunity, expats can overcome obstacles with determination and focus, ensuring they stay on track to achieve their goals despite any setbacks they may encounter.

3. Get Hands On & Resilient

Living life as an expat offers a remarkable chance to immerse yourself in a world that differs from your own, yet it comes with its own set of challenges. In these new environments, you might discover yourself needing to roll up your sleeves more often or to tap into your creativity to make the most of limited resources.

Being away from the familiar comforts of home and your usual support system requires a high level of resilience.

Those who thrive in expat roles are often individuals who possess the determination to persevere through adversity and view challenges as opportunities for growth.

If you're someone who embraces each obstacle as a chance to learn and develop, you're likely to excel in an expat position.

4. Mentorship

As an expat embracing mentorship goes beyond your job description. Your experiences and attitude have positioned you as the best candidate for the role, and it is your responsibility to utilise these qualities to uplift your team. By taking the initiative to share your knowledge and skills, you can create lasting impacts, empowering others to reach their full potential.?

The ultimate objective should be to implement a seamless succession plan that enables a local candidate to assume your role on completion of your assignment.

Investing in mentorship not only enhances the capabilities of your team but also fosters a culture of growth and development. By creating moments to teach and build capability, you can leave a legacy that extends well beyond your time in the role and country.

5. Openness To Create Change

One of the most crucial qualities for expats is their willingness to make a positive difference. ?Developing world staff are craving growth and development, this presents ample opportunity to collaborate with an eager and knowledge hungry workforce.

Whether it involves enhancing workplace safety measures or dedicating time to mentorship and training, the nature of this change is adaptable to individual strengths and circumstances. Working as an expat can be profoundly fulfilling, but it requires the right attitude and commitment to truly succeed in making a meaningful difference.

6. ?Flexibility

Moving abroad as an expat disrupts the familiar routines you would have grown accustomed to at home, and that's perfectly normal. ?Life as an expat entails embracing uncertainty and finding creative solutions to unexpected challenges. Whether it's navigating project delays caused by weather or adjusting to fluctuating currency availability, you're bound to encounter hurdles along the way.

The expatriates who thrive, are those who approach these obstacles with flexibility and resilience, adapting seamlessly to changing circumstances as they arise.

So is it for you?

Working as an expat in can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, but the traits required are not a natural fit for everyone.?

I hope you have found this article helpful and would welcome any feedback in the comments section.?

If you haven't already, please join our LinkedIn company page for updates on expat positions in the PNG & Asia Pacific region. https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/global-talentsearch/