Since I graduated college, I’ve worked abroad my entire professional career. The countries that I’ve spent time working in include Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and India. Each of these countries differs extensively in the work and personal culture. I learned the hard way that it’s better to adapt and listen, rather than push and impose. For example, in Tanzania, the relationship is most important, in Kenya, the deal or transaction is what matters. In India, you need to be detail oriented, while in Uganda, the bigger picture is more important. These are generalities in my experience, but what’s meaningful here is the difference in approach is essential to achieving results. As an American, I moved to Africa guns blazing and head strong. That attitude didn’t help me, and while I was able to succeed in getting things done that I had control over, I struggled to have success in projects where I had significant dependencies on local teams or partners. It wasn’t until recently that I’ve seen the error of my ways, and I’m now working hard on listening to people, and understanding their approach, before I set a strategy.
To sum this up better, read this article by Bill McDermott, the American CEO of SAP. His experience is extraordinary, and he writes clearly too. Below are a couple quotes from the article to whet your appetite:
“I learned in those days that differences in language and culture are no match for humility. Leaders just need to ask the people, because the people always know.”
“You have to care about what the culture needs instead of just focusing on your agenda and how to get it done.”
If you are interested in culture and strategy, it’s a must read.