Working across borders is becoming an increasingly complex experience. Succeeding in a global organization requires a specific set of virtual, cross-cultural and communication skills which ensure that working relationships thrive and all business objectives are surpassed. This presentation examines best practices for managers with cross-border roles who want to succeed in complex global companies.

1. Russell Harlow
WELCOME TO:
Thriving
in a Global
Organization

2. The 21st century organization
Global
Networked Diverse
Virtual
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3. What is shaping your environment?
Global Context
V U C A
Volatility Uncertainty Complexity Ambiguity
Very rapid rates High Many powerful High levels of
of change unpredictability forces paradox and
interacting confusion
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4. The 3 focus areas
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5. Initiative and self-direction
• Define, prioritize and complete tasks
without direct supervision
• Check and clarify roles and
resources
• Make an impact by taking the
initiative to create a virtual
‘presence’
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6. A virtual presence
Trust-
worthy
How do you create and
maintain a good virtual Likable Valuable
presence?
Memorable
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7. A virtual presence
Trust-
worthy
Qualities that generate trust
accessibility, cultural intelligence
Attitudes that are likeable
helpful, respectful
Valuable Likeable
Actions that bring you to mind
over deliver, be positive
Attributes that make you valuable
real expertise, quality connections
Memorable
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8. Social and cross-cultural skills
• Interact effectively with colleagues
at different levels and from different
cultures
• Maintain a virtual network of people
who help to get things done
• Manage cultural conflicts and
misperceptions
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9. Managing conflict at a distance
Virtual distance and cultural differences can trigger a
downward communication and relationship spiral
• Misunderstanding
• Mistrust of intentions
• Increased tension
• Conflict
• Breakdown
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10. Different cultural styles | communication
EXPLICIT IMPLICIT
“
“Meaning is on the surface. We “Meaning is below the surface.
mean what we say and say We may imply what we mean
what we mean.” and not tell you directly.”
SIMPLE COMPLEX
Reveal complete thought
Reduce to basics process and context”
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11. Flexibility and Adaptability
• Respond positively to changing
structures, roles and responsibilities
• Adapt to unexpected pressures
• Deal effectively with conflicting
priorities
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12. Conflicting priorities
Saying „no‟
without
saying „no‟
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13. Managing conflict strategies
• Diagnose why the conflict has happened:” be curious rather
than furious !”
• Ask questions to uncover the „hidden‟ competing priorities
• Keep an open mind: in a VUCA world the “bigger picture” is
fuzzier
• Try to transform the conflict from a threat to a collaborative
problem solving opportunity.
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14. Please visit our website
www.tmaworld.com
Get in touch!
Contact us at enquiries@tmaworld.com
TMA World is a leader in developing talent for the global workplace.
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15. TMA World is a leader in developing talent for the
global workplace. Across 50 countries we apply
a blend of experiential workshops and e-learning
methodologies to enable individuals at all levels to
lead and collaborate across distances and difference:
Develop leaders - who possess appropriate global mindsets and competencies
Engage global teams - to collaborate seamlessly and support international growth
Achieve consistency - across cultures, methodologies and management
Harmonize cross-border relationships - both internally and externally
Unify your people - to enable the free flow of ideas and skills globally
To find out more about how we can help you address your learning and development
challenges, please contact us at enquiries@tmaworld.com or visit our website
www.tmaworld.com
London New York San Francisco Hong Kong Singapore Bangalore Moscow
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16. TMA World Publications
Written by Terence Brake, President, TMA World-Americas http://virtualteamwork.blogspot.com
Where In The World Is My Team? Making a success of your virtual
global workplace THE FUTURE OF VIRTUAL
„Where In The World Is My Team? Making a success of your virtual global
TEAMWORK &
workplace‟ addresses the issues of „Sanity, Survival and Success in Global COLLABORATION
Teams‟. Tools, theories and concepts are introduced to help businesspeople
working internationally to understand and develop the competencies required to The work revolution is here and
manage and lead global teams. now! This blog builds on the
work of my new book -
The Global Leader: Critical Factors For Creating The World Class Where in the World is My Team?
Organization by discussing the latest thinking
Globalization may have become a cliché, but that doesn‟t make it any less real or on virtual teamwork and
any easier to achieve and sustain. Global competitiveness requires continuous collaboration. Enjoy!
attention to core capabilities. „The Global Leader‟ addresses one of the most
critical capabilities needed for winning in this new business environment: a
company‟s ability to develop global leaders throughout its organization.
Managing Globally
„Managing Globally‟ is a practical, self-help guide to help you develop key
management skills for working with other cultures. Packed with essential tips and
advice you will learn how to adapt to different working practices, from
overcoming language barriers, making presentations and carrying out
negotiations to working in global teams and managing conflict.
Manager's Handbook
A comprehensive guide to learning key management skills, understanding core
business concepts, and planning a successful career, „Manager's Handbook‟ is
both an introduction for new managers and an up-to-date reference for
experienced managers and those working in new businesses.
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