Leadership Across Cultures


Managing and leadership is not what it used to be. In today's mutlicultural environment, managers are finding that what's worked well for them in the past is no longer effective. In fact, very few managers are prepared for how people from other cultures set priorities, delegate, plan, and decide.

Organizational charts just don't tell the whole story. The way "things get done" at corporations around the globe are as diverse as the values and beliefs of the people themselves: autocratic or democratic, collective or individual, hierarchal or egalitarian. For example:

  • Autocratic French managers should tread lightly in consensus-minded Japan or Sweden.
  • Courteous Asian leaders need to adopt more vigorous styles in argumentative Holland, theatrical Spain, or blunt Israel.
  • German managers sent to meet with their staff in Australia best be prepared for irreverent behavior, and what may seem like lack of respect for authority.

Take a
look at the leadership diagrams above. While a particular diagram may not seem intuitive to you, it is to anyone who's from there. Isn't that reason enough for you to recognize it too, and use it to get better results?




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Here are some of the workshops we've conducted on leadership:

Leadership Styles in 20 Cultures

The Asian Concept of Leadership

European Vs. American Styles

A “Manager’s Day” in Different Cultures

How The Language of Leaders Vary

20 Cultures – 20 Motivations

Leading An Overseas Team

The Multicultural Manager

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