The world has become flat again. Most of the organizations today have a global connection, even if they are not a “global” company. This means that leaders need to adapt to a different mindset and a way of leading that comes from the more traditional approach.
Of course, the standard competencies hold… but here is where the differences/nuances are emerging:
1. Heightened Ability to Deal with Complexity and Simplify Reality. If managers and leaders are to scratch beneath the surface and delve into the substance of their organizations, now more than ever they need to possess the intellectual capacity to demonstrate multidimensional thinking, understand the depth of organizational realities, and exercise proper judgment when making decisions.
2. Strategic Perspective. Global leaders have the ability to anticipate the long and broad term implications of their decisions and actions. In addition, they have a clear picture of the future of the organization. They ground their foresight in the deep understanding of the company, the business, the industry, and trends that are long lasting and have an impact on the wellbeing of the organization. They are able to anticipate market and economic trends, and are capable of applying the knowledge of these trends into the decision-making process. This strategic perspective enables them to create a laser-sharp focus on meaningful targets, goals and objectives.
3. Customer Focus and Understanding. The best global leaders understand their customers’ preferences, concerns, and problems. They are sensitive to the nuances of the customer culture and adapt their offerings to the customers’ specific needs. They are able to create partnering relationships with the customers and are often utilized as the trusted advisors helping the customer succeed.
4. Ability to Deal with Ambiguity and Willingness to Take Risks. Global leaders are willing to take calculated risks, adaptive, and agile when driving change. Opportunistic, they are able to spot opportunities and turn these opportunities into material benefits. Courageous, they are willing to challenge the status quo and are comfortable with trying the new, often unorthodox and untested approaches to business. Combined with proper critical judgment, this innovative spirit is not a “whimsy” but rather a healthy focus on staying ahead of the game.
5. Ability to Foster Engagement. The best global leaders know how to build highly engaged and committed teams. At the executive level – they are able to create highly functioning working groups that have a well-developed reflex to partner on issues where collaboration is required. They know how to engage people, consult broadly and capitalize on the value contribution of each of their team members, even when dealing with virtual communities.
6. Cultural Interest and Sensitivity. A culturally competent global leader has the capacity to bring into its system many different behaviors, attitudes, and policies, and works effectively in cross-cultural settings to produce superior outcomes.
This is my work in progress. I would really appreciate your viewpoints. Let’s keep the dialogue going.
