Action Plan

Action Plan for U.S. Business Leaders Operating Globally

Whether starting to operate international or expanding into more foreign markets, the following plan is required reading:

  1. Identify and collaborate with savvy, trusted local advisers
  2. Establish a clear understanding of global practices and laws to which the organization needs to conform
  3. Adopt a purposeful, not habitual pattern of behavior
  4. Immerse yourself in another culture, even if temporarily, to truly understand how you are perceived and how others perceive you and your manner of communication
  5. Become fully aware of how other cultures make decisions and express values
  6. Realize that ambiguity and change are opportunities, not obstacles
  7. View differing cultural situations within context to exert situational and flexible decision-making
  8. Remain open to any and all learning opportunities to bolster your cultural intelligence
  9. Evaluate your leadership agility by continually developing your cultural capabilities
  10. Realize that your expectations and values are more similar to other leaders than they are different
A bottom line is understood in most cultures
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