Cultural sensitivity Cultural intelligence is key to success, according to our experts and it correlates with demonstrating a global mindset. Patti McCarthy from Cultural Chemistry, a specialist in cross-cultural consulting, defines cultural intelligence as “an awareness of other people’s behaviours and being perceptive, observing behaviour without judging it.” Liz Clarke, Global Mobility Manager APAC at Jacobs says: “If employees are not prepared to think and work beyond the domestic operation, opportunities for them will be minimal. It no longer matters where you are physically located as to the work you are undertaking, but having the right approach to this makes this either a success or a failure. Having a global mindset is important to ensure all are thinking holistically, understanding the interdependencies of the different business areas and sharing information, knowledge and experience across national and functional boundaries.”
Self-awareness
Ulrike Fisher, Global Mobility Manager at CSL emphasises that we work with other cultures on a daily basis in today’s market. “While the internet is a great equaliser, when it comes to accessing clients, customers and collaborators, it can be easy to forget that there are indeed differences to consider when it comes to cultural norms, beliefs and attitudes.” According to Clarke and Fisher, self-awareness is one of the top five skills any employee should possess. An awareness of one’s own cultural preferences is directly linked to our sensitivity to others and our acquired cultural intelligence. “How to communicate across cultures is a skill which can be learnt,” adds McCarthy.
Excellent communication skills
Employers see communication skills as a non-negotiable requirement for employees. Whether it be verbal, written or interpersonal communication, these skills are exercised and implemented on an hourly basis at most work places and those who excel at communicating effectively will stand themselves in good stead. Deborah de Cerff, founder of The Employee Mobility Institute, believes that “in addition to effective communication skills , employee’s need to be proficient in and committed to building relationships with both internal and external stakeholders if they are to effectively implement change or create successful international partnerships.”
Flexibility and adaptability
In a constantly changing and often unpredictable global market, flexibility and adaptability are key skills for an employee to develop. Challenges arise and an employee who is able to quickly respond, adapt his or her reactions and plan a new effective course of action is an employee who is highly valued by the organisation. According to Liz Clarke: “Having an awareness of the business from a global and organisation perspective and how it interlinks is an important aspect of global mindset. However to make use of this understanding being culturally sensitive and able to adapt as required are important capabilities that form the basis of having a global mindset.”
Humility
In a competitive and unstable market, it is still a vital skill to be humble. A typically Australian trait, humility should not be mistaken for shyness. It is simply an unpretentious and modest attitude to one’s work and colleagues, taking pride in one’s work without demonstrating arrogance. Employers are seeking a cohesive and effective workplace; people who denigrate others, take credit for work which is not their own or are disrespectful, are quickly noticed, for all the wrong reasons. Humility goes a long way in the Australian workplace.
Thank you to our experts: Liz Clarke,
Global Mobility Manager APAC at Jacobs Ulrike Fisher, Global Mobility Manager at CSL Deborah de Cerff, CEO & Founder, The Employee Mobility Institute Patti McCarthy, Cultural Chemistry Cross-cultural Consulting and Expatriate Coaching
Lana Lachyani Freelance Writer, The Employee Mobility Institute lanalachyani@gmail.com Tel:+61 434 842 255 www.lanalachyani.com www.thehealthytagine.wordpress.com Lana Lachyani is a Melbourne-based Freelance Writer and Communications Consultant. Lana lived overseas for several years, working across Europe and the Middle East before returning to Australia in 2012.
