When businesses are competing in a global market, they need leaders that have the capacity of seeing the world in different ways and are able to collaborate. In an Organizational Development Network Conference I recently attended one of the presenters shared 5 key attributes she has found in her research that global leaders possess which set them apart. That's what I want to share with you today.
Cosmopolitanism
Global leaders are citizens of the world and feel at home anywhere in the world. The engage deeply and genuinely with the world and the people around them. They connect for the sake of connecting, not with an ulterior motive. They explore not only the mainstream of a culture, but also the marginalized. They choose to engage with all different kinds of art forms. For them people are just people, not people from Africa, or from Europe, or from Latin America. They know that leaders in foreign countries need to deeply understand that country, and that it takes time.Therefore, they invest the time and effort to look for, groom, an put in place local talent that can think globally.
Sensible fearlessness
Global leaders take calculated risks that expand their business and their worldview. They are energized by what is new and different. They move toward the unknown that they might fear. How to go about problem solving with only partial information? They do a "gut" check, they check with others, they check what they know from before that can be helpful, they use scenario planning, they think "what if. . ." These require humbleness. They are not afraid of going out of their way to do something they might not be so good at. They are always willing to try with no holds barred.
Insatiable curiosity
Global leaders are exploring the world at every moment, just for the sake of exploring. They explore at work, and they explore when they are off work. They ask questions, considering themselves more a learner than a knower. They look for developmental opportunities. They find creative ways to navigate new environments.
Suspension of judgement
Global leaders wait to learn before advocating a set point of view. They don't draw quick conclusions. They develop a spiritual and human discipline of watching and waiting before judging. They suspend their assumptions and check them out, instead of reacting based on what they think is going on. This is particularly important if they are working in a place that has a different language.
Graceful ease
Global leaders find simplicity within complexity. They can regain their composure when the have been thrown off balance. The are completely authentic about who they are but also open to any other culture. They cultivate relationships and anchor themselves in human connections.
Remember. . .
New times require more interaction with the world. Think of different ways in which you can develop these key attributes and you will increase your global influence.
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Photo via Flickr by Frits Ahlefeldt-Laurvig