I find that leadership is the same everywhere.
Yes, I understand that cultures are quite different across the world! And for any of you travelers out there, you understand well that the best way to visit another location is to have an open mind, and you end up growing and transforming from the visits. I also find that each person in your own neighborhood can be quite different, as we're all shaped by our own experiences and nature. Yet besides all the differences between us, I find there are some global truths. An example... people want to be valued. People want to be (and are) motivated by inspiration and hope.
Most of us know the phrase that the award-winning New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman made to be a household one, which is the title of his book, "The World is Flat." While not everyone may feel this on a daily basis, the global aspects of our world impact us daily, from the food we eat, to the clothes we wear, to the news we listen to. Personally, this global view excites me for the future possibilities of more collaboration, education and growth for all.
But what does this mean for managers and leaders? It adds a level of complexity and an increased need for understanding. More open communication is needed when managing a diverse and/or remote team. Less assumptions made. More listening. More seeking to understand. More reading between the lines. Perhaps a new flexible schedule to make an international conference call convenient not just for your time zone.
But back to my statement at the beginning of this blog, that leadership is the same for everyone. I'm not talking about management practices, I'm talking about the leadership practices of having a vision and inspiring your team. These practices are global. Without a vision, an organization will just plug along. Employees may do a good job, but have you ever noticed people's excitement when, as a team, everyone is aligned with the same goal and all wanting to achieve it? It's amazing! Ongoing inspiration is also critical. Even with an amazing vision set, employees will lose interest over time if there is not ongoing inspiration from a leader to aspire to reach the goal. And no matter where you are from, these truths hold true. We all want to make a difference, we all want to hope, we all want to be inspired.
Be the leader who makes a difference for others!
Karen Rulifson
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