International Leadership Reflection
The name of this course is Global Administrative Policy, but it could also be called International Business Leadership. One of the key course outcomes is: Design ways of self-development to become and remain effective administrative managers of global organizations and operations.
To that end, based on your text, research, and experiences, identify three areas (please refers to areas provide in note at the end) in which you can strengthen your own skills as a global administrative manager. Identify skills that are described in the textbook or the other materials that you have reviewed this quarter and put together a self-development plan that will make you better prepared to face the increasing global workplace of the future. Your self-development plan should consist of three specific areas where you feel you can grow your international skills. For all three areas, cite sources that lead you to believe that the skills you wish to develop are going to be useful.
Please use the three areas listed below,
1. Cross culture communication: As a global administrative manager, one of the most critical tasks is to communicate effectively across diverse cultures. Explore strategies to improve intercultural communication, understanding nuances, and adapting communication style to different cultural contexts.
2. Conflict Resolution: International business often involves complex negotiations and potential conflicts. Explore approaches to handle disputes, bridging cultural gaps, and finding win-win solutions.
3. Lifelong Learning and Adaptability: In a constantly evolving global landscape, it's crucial to be open to learning and adapting. Reflect on willingness to embrace change, stay updated with international business trends, and continuously improve your skillset.
Strengthening Cross-Cultural Communication Skills
Effective cross-cultural communication is essential for global administrative managers to build strong relationships and successfully navigate diverse cultural contexts. By improving this skill, managers can enhance their ability to understand and adapt to different communication styles, avoid misunderstandings, and foster productive collaborations within international teams.
To strengthen cross-cultural communication skills, the following strategies can be implemented:
Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity: Developing an understanding of different cultural norms, values, and communication styles is crucial. Reading books, attending workshops, and engaging in intercultural experiences can provide insights into various cultures and help managers develop sensitivity towards cultural differences.
Active Listening: Actively listening and paying attention to non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, can help managers better understand the intended message. This practice demonstrates respect and empathy towards individuals from different cultures.
Language Proficiency: Learning a foreign language can significantly enhance cross-cultural communication. Even basic knowledge of key phrases and greetings can demonstrate respect and willingness to engage with individuals from different cultures. Online language courses, language exchange programs, or hiring language tutors can aid in language proficiency development.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Being open-minded and adaptable to different communication styles is crucial. Managers should be willing to adjust their communication approach to fit the cultural context, whether it’s using direct or indirect communication, high or low context communication, or hierarchical or egalitarian communication styles.
Sources:
Chen, G. M. (2015). Intercultural communication competence: Identifying key components from multicultural perspectives. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 48, 16-29.
Gudykunst, W. B., & Kim, Y. Y. (2017). Communicating with strangers: An approach to intercultural communication. Routledge.
Enhancing Conflict Resolution Skills
Conflict resolution skills are vital for global administrative managers as they often encounter diverse perspectives and potential conflicts in international business settings. By developing effective conflict resolution skills, managers can bridge cultural gaps, find win-win solutions, and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders from various backgrounds.
To enhance conflict resolution skills, the following approaches can be adopted:
Cultural Intelligence: Developing cultural intelligence enables managers to understand how cultural differences may influence conflict dynamics and resolution strategies. By recognizing and respecting diverse viewpoints, managers can approach conflicts with sensitivity and cultural competence.
Active Mediation: Acting as a neutral mediator, global administrative managers can facilitate open communication and encourage each party to express their concerns and interests. Effective mediation involves active listening, summarizing key points, and guiding the negotiation process towards a mutually beneficial resolution.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: Encouraging a collaborative approach to conflict resolution can help build trust and maintain positive relationships. Managers can foster an environment where all parties work together to identify common goals and brainstorm creative solutions that address everyone’s interests.
Intercultural Negotiation Skills: Understanding negotiation strategies across cultures is essential for successful conflict resolution. Managers should familiarize themselves with cultural differences in negotiation styles, such as assertiveness, time orientation, and the importance of building personal relationships.
Sources:
Brett, J. M., Behfar, K. J., & Kern, M. C. (2006). Managing multicultural teams. Harvard Business Review, 84(11), 84-91.
Senehi, J. (2017). Mediation across cultures: A handbook for practitioners and researchers. Routledge.
Cultivating Lifelong Learning and Adaptability
In a rapidly changing global landscape, global administrative managers must possess a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability. This skill allows managers to stay ahead of international business trends, embrace change, and continuously improve their skillset to remain effective in a dynamic global workplace.
To cultivate lifelong learning and adaptability, managers can implement the following strategies:
Continuous Professional Development: Engaging in continuous learning opportunities, such as attending conferences, workshops, webinars, and professional development courses, can help managers stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in international business.
Networking and Collaboration: Building a strong network of professionals in the field allows managers to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and learn from others’ expertise. Joining industry associations, participating in online forums, and attending networking events can provide valuable insights and foster collaborative learning.
Embracing Technology: Keeping up with technological advancements is crucial for global administrative managers. Embracing digital tools, such as project management software, communication platforms, and data analytics tools, can streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and improve efficiency.
Reflective Practice: Regularly reflecting on experiences and seeking feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors can help managers identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes. Self-reflection promotes self-awareness and encourages the development of new skills and approaches.
Sources:
Pink, D. H. (2018). When: The scientific secrets of perfect timing. Riverhead Books.
Kuhlmann, T. M., & Bunning, R. L. (2018). The role of professional development in career advancement: A literature review. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 38(3), 184-191.
By focusing on strengthening cross-cultural communication, enhancing conflict resolution skills, and cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability, global administrative managers can better prepare themselves to excel in the increasingly interconnected and diverse global workplace of the future. These skills will enable managers to effectively navigate cultural differences, resolve conflicts, and adapt to changing business environments, ultimately contributing to the success of global organizations and operations.