Leading in a Different Culture

Most of us follow a career progression often in the city in which we grew up.

We learn “leadership “for that context and even though initially it may be challenging at least, we seem to have an understanding, not only the language but also the culture we are in.

Quite simply, it’s our ‘culture’.

Then feeling comfortable in what we’ve achieved, or maybe looking for greater opportunities, we accept a position, not only in another city, but in another country.

Suddenly, it seems the rules have changed.

Not only are we dealing with a different culture - and maybe even language - in the country we find ourselves living in but also a different culture in the organization.

If you’re living in the Middle East, you will understand that not only is the difference in culture between each of the countries, but typically a different culture in different cities in those countries.

The culture in the UAE is different to the culture in Oman. There are even differences in the culture in Abu Dhabi in Dubai.

It’s often been said that the UAE not only has the Emirati culture broadly, but also the culture of 201 other countries.

And you want me to LEAD here ?

This ‘challenge’ applies equally to an Emirati - or Indian - moving to any other culture in the world in a leadership role.

In The Leadership Challenge, we know that leadership is a relationship.

Simple. 

So when there is a change in culture, the leader moving into that environment, who focuses on relationships will get great results.

Building relationships, and engendering respect is the first building block for leader in this situation.

In every culture, respect for others is fundamental.

The leader who seeks to understand the culture that he’s moving into, and who genuinely shows his commitment to learning about the culture, will gain the respect of those he or she is leading.

The ongoing research of The Leadership Challenge continues - over 40 years - to identify the ‘characteristics of admired leaders’ - across many cultures.

The number 1 characteristic is Honesty. Number 2 is Inspiring.

The top four characteristics have always been the top four - regardless of culture or country.

Modeling the Way, by living his or her values, and ‘doing what you say you will do’ absolutely apply to all cultures.

The Five Practices of Exemplary Leaders are not only a recognized framework for leadership but they make transitioning to leading in another culture or even leading a team in that overarching culture who represent other cultures, to be a strong framework for leading in different cultures.

Of course, there are nuances. 

But genuine leaders know that even in their own culture, there are nuances and simple differences.

Again, always, it starts by building relationships, getting to know the people you are leading - just as it would in your own culture.

And of course, listen to them. Whatever culture we are in we all want to be listened to and respected. 

Leading in cultures, other than our own, can truly be rewarding and deeply satisfying.