Send to KindleIt was a warm evening in Kuwait City. I was standing on a street corner talking to a local gentleman with whom I was working. As we chatted a young teen slowly cruised by with music blaring from his car stereo. After he passed and the noise level returned to normal we resumed our conversation. A few minutes later the same teen again cruised by the corner where we stood. My companion commented that he didn’t understand and asked me if young people did that in the United States. He seemed a little surprised when I told him they did.
Having worked with people from 15 other nations, in most cases in their country, I’ve come to understand we are often more alike than we realize. As the world becomes increasingly more connected, leading multi-national teams is becoming more likely and is a challenge leaders must be prepared to face. There’s much discussion these days about the many different cultures of the world and how we can all effectively interact but understanding two common factors will make the leadership challenge easier.
First, no matter the nationality of the members of your multi-national team, they appreciate the leader recognizing them for that nationality. This doesn’t mean the leader needs to make a big deal of it, but they each have a unique culture and want to know the leader cares enough to at least try to understand that. I’ve always found it fun to learn a little about the people and culture of another country. The knowledge I gain in one experience is often valuable in another. In the United States we fear being considered insensitive if we do not understand every nuance of every other culture, but, and I’m not naming any names here, I’ve run across some from other countries who are just as culturally arrogant. The point is, respect the differences, but don’t dwell on them.
The second factor should seem obvious, but is sometimes hidden in cultural differences. It’s simply this. I’ve never met anyone, from anywhere, who isn’t motivated by a need to be appreciated for what they can contribute to the team. They want to be recognized for their skills and abilities. Though your team members will have different ways of showing it, they appreciate the opportunity to be a valued part of the team.
Leading multi-national teams isn’t as difficult as it seems, and it can be fun and educational. Though sometimes it may be a little harder to see, you and your team are most likely motivated by the same needs. Learn a little about your team members, then treat them the same as you would like to be treated.
