Why Global Leaders Should Engage Big-Picture Thinking

Global leaders are responsible for navigating complexities that stretch beyond their immediate surroundings. It is common for leaders to be ensnared by a narrow, localized focus, inadvertently sidelining the global perspective. However, the significance of seeing the bigger picture cannot be overstated in today's interconnected world.

Interconnected Thinking

This article explores why global leaders in global capability centers (GCCs) must transcend the boundaries of a limited mindset and embrace a holistic approach that considers the broader impact of their actions. By doing so, they can pave the way for sustainable growth, value creation and an inclusive, harmonious global ecosystem that isn’t limited to one company or GCC.

In India, we have long had a practice of collaboration and exchange between the various GCCs. Even though we compete for talent, we have been supporting each other to benefit the whole region, which has contributed positively to India being the most popular location for GCCs. (As reported by Consultancy.in , "According to an estimate from Nexdigm , an international professional services firm, India is home to over 1,750 Global Capability Centers, which amounts to a massive 50% of all such centers globally.")

The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) founded a special GCC Council to strengthen the position of GCCs in India. Their research and collaboration with the government have been invaluable; collaboration in small teams and information sharing has given the GCC leaders leverage with their respective parent companies. All these collaborative efforts have helped the whole GCC ecosystem in India grow by leaps and bounds.

Moving Beyond Self-Interest

At times, leaders in GCCs may be tempted to prioritize their own organization's advantage over the needs of the broader ecosystem. However, this shortsighted approach can undermine potential synergies and collaborative opportunities. Instead, leaders must broaden their perspective to encompass the interests of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders and the broader community. A more inclusive outlook fosters an environment of mutual growth and prosperity.

The Global Enterprise Product Support Forum under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) was founded a few years ago. I was the founder of the forum, the main person and president, but there were four to five others who pioneered the movement. This was a true collaboration; software companies Avaya, Computer Associates (CA), EMC, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and Yahoo came together to help pave the way for India’s transition into the knowledge economy. We were really looking at how we could grow together in these nascent stages of growth of GCCs. There were subforums created where we would brainstorm solutions and build best practices together.

HYSEA is another excellent organization “dedicated to providing mentorship and networking opportunities for young and upcoming women leaders of the IT industry”—another example of a truly collaborative effort that went beyond the self-interest of the participating companies.

Leveraging Local Knowledge For Global Inspiration

GCC leaders possess valuable local and regional knowledge, which can be a foundation for inspiring innovation within their parent companies. By understanding the more significant dynamics, they can identify opportunities that align with the broader company goals. GCCs can become crucial drivers of creativity and adaptation, ensuring that ideas flourish globally and are not confined to narrow boundaries.

Based on my observation, around 2010, a lot of new global companies started GCCs in India. To support these newcomers, we, the leaders of the more established GCCs at the time, would come together over dinner events to share experiences, tips and tricks with these new companies. By helping each other, we also helped drive business into the region.

Embracing Diversity And Inclusion

The global marketplace thrives on cultural differences and diversity. By cultivating a culture of openness and respect, leaders can tap into their diverse teams' collective wisdom and insights. Embracing diversity also helps leaders make well-informed decisions considering the multifaceted perspectives of various stakeholders. A diverse and inclusive approach drives innovation, adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving needs of the global marketplace.

Oracle Women's Leadership and VMware Nirmaan are great examples of initiatives empowering women leaders in IT. They offer regular discussions about trends in the business, the challenges facing women leaders and other essential topics.

Humility And Collaboration

Seeing the bigger picture necessitates humility in leadership. Leaders must recognize their place in the larger organizational ecosystem and prioritize collaboration over competition. By setting aside egos and working collectively, GCCs can strengthen their position and contribute meaningfully to the broader organizational goals.

In one of my postings, we sent Indian GCC leaders on secondment to Argentina and China, where new centers were being created, to provide mentoring and guidance. And in times of crisis and civil unrest in Bangalore, all the companies that had GCCs in the area came together to see how we could collaborate. We shared transportation and accommodation to ensure everyone could get to work safely. We even joined forces with the head of state to address the unrest.

Driving Long-Term Results

Leaders who adopt a holistic perspective can make informed decisions that align with broader company goals and contribute to sustainable growth. This approach goes beyond addressing surface-level challenges and instead focuses on creating long-term value for all stakeholders. Moreover, it fosters a positive work environment and nurtures effective problem-solving skills.

Conclusion

For global leaders in GCCs, seeing the bigger picture is an aspirational concept and an indispensable imperative. By embracing a more holistic and inclusive approach, leaders can create sustainable and successful businesses that thrive on collaboration, innovation and adaptability. Beyond self-interest, embracing diversity and practicing humility, these leaders can drive long-term results that benefit the entire global ecosystem. Ultimately, seeing the bigger picture empowers leaders to make a meaningful impact and shape a brighter future for their organizations and the world.

First published on Forbes.com in Oct 2023.