We don’t just want to understand a new culture; the intention of a leader must be to generate credibility, by establishing a connection that goes beyond just communication. Leading in a globalized world drives a leader to connect at the highest level in order to be able to influence. A good leader is not afraid to get involved.
Why is it so important for the global leader to understand globalization?
When we are open to new cultures and wish to adapt to them, we must understand them first. In order to accomplish this, we must learn about their routines, their belief system, their lifestyle, social norms and when it comes to an organization, we must know and understand the market to which we are directing our product or service.
Why is a global mentality so important?
What makes the McDonald’s or Burger King brands successfully leading in a global world? The large fast-food franchises are recognized worldwide for a fact that is not random. All countries have one or several locations in different places, whether shopping centers or physical establishments in strategic places.
How has a global mentality benefited these corporations?
A perfect example of how global leadership looks and how it influences culture is the creation by The Coca-Cola Company of the image and concept of Santa Claus. It’s been years since this concept was created, and without a doubt, they appropriated this image. They made it a tradition for their brand. Every year during the Christmas holidays, it is hard not to associate the idea of Santa with this drink.
Having the ability to extend our influence and to lead beyond our culture, is a vital element to manage a team and an organization successfully in a globalized world.
Have you thought about the influence of certain commercial images on your daily life?
A friend of mine from India mentioned to me not too long ago about the amazing town where he is from, which is located in the south of India, mostly in the State of Tamil Nadu and north of the town of Puducherry. He talked about some of the characteristics of this place that amazed me and for a moment I thought that he was just describing a fantasy story. The level of diversity and relationships that he described, I have to admit, challenged my thinking. So I just took my laptop and Googled it. What is that place around the world that lately grabs your attention?
Founded 50 years ago as an experiment, yet for some, this place is controversial, for others it is utopia or even unreal. Auroville, The City of Dawn, according to one of its founders – Mirra Alfassa, wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and continuous harmony, beyond all creeds, politics, and nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to achieve human unity.
After reading about this place and watching some videos about its 2,500 habitats, I am sure that Auroville’s community embraces diversity and unity with great enthusiasm.
How about you? Do you have a desire to experience different cultures and the diverse ways they do things?
One of the most important economic trends due to the growth of globalization in recent decades is the explosion of international business. It is not a secret that the advancement of technology, transportation, and communications, the removal of international business restrictions by governments, the economic international cooperation and competition, and of course, consumer’s desire to access foreign goods and services are all facilitating this explosion. Are you developing your ability to advance within an international business environment?
If you or your organization are planning to venture or continue growing in the international business arena, it will be required that you develop your ability to have a multifaceted approach.
The World Cup is one of the most watched events on the planet. According to the latest statistics, approximately 3.4 billion, almost half of the planet population, was expected to tune in to at least one match. That is something great! Such a huge amount of people unified by one same passion; yet, it might not be such good news for the productivity of some businesses. Do you know how the World Cup affects productivity?
Productivity will take a hit according to the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and the Statista Portal.
One of the events that showcase a great amount of diversity and cultures is the World Cup. Every 4 years, 32 nations compete to become the best soccer team in the world and one country hosts the event. This year the host is Russia, and they are welcoming more than 1 million visitors from all over the world, according to event organizers.
The eyes of the planet turn towards this country. All of us have been able to learn a lot about the host country, most particularly those who are interested and curious about other cultures.
Are you interested in other cultures?
Have you watched a soccer World Cup game? If yes, you are in a very good company. The FIFA World Cup is one of the most awaited events in the world and around 40 million people watch every match online through television or the internet.
In 2014 the television audience crossed 3.2 billion people and 280 billion people watched matches online or through a mobile device. As stated by FIFA World Cup, the mobile technology around the world it would definitely impact this year’s number of viewers.
Have you noticed all the different cultures displayed throughout this event? Do you feel connected with some of these cultures?
More than 3.4 billion inhabitants (who make up half of the planet’s population) are connected through social networks. These are figures that we can’t ignore since much of what happens around us today is being influenced by these numbers.
If your personal and professional abilities, your experience and your perspective are not based on a global mentality, you are losing all the opportunities that globalization offers you. One of these opportunities is to expand your cultural understanding.
Thus, the lack of cultural understanding and global mentality leads to a cultural shock.
Are you ready to avoid a cultural shock?