In the best of times, we face intense scrutiny to generate measurable business improvement in our operations, our executions and the bottom-line results. When times get tough, we need to be even better, smarter, more flexible and able to draw on multiple resources to function effectively in multiple markets.
As more and more companies expand their global operations, employers are seeking and promoting those who can add value to the organization by operating seamlessly, efficiently and effectively in multinational and multicultural environments.
Like technology—which has radically changed the way we do business and communicate in the workplace—globalization of the world’s economy is effecting equally significant and rapid change. Computer literacy is now taken for granted and required for employment from the mail room to the boardroom. Cross-cultural communication skills and global operations ability are now considered to be core competency requirements to drive business success in the 21st century.
Global competency identifies you immediately as an organizational asset with the ability to plan, manage, achieve and succeed in a variety of locations and conditions. It highlights you as someone who can communicate effectively with people who may not speak your language, understand your culture or share your values. It defines you as a flexible, adaptable professional who will continue to move the organization forward.
Understand that global competency does not mean that you are always working overseas. Wherever you live, multinational, multicultural groups of people are meeting every day in your home country. Your company may merge, acquire or be acquired by an international competitor. Your association may be looking for overseas counterparts to expand membership and enlarge annual meeting attendance.
If you ignore or limit opportunities to develop global competency, you will limit your professional horizons. You will become a victim, rather than a victor in the global war for talent. Here are two things you can do right away to increase your value and become a more competitive 21st century meeting professional.
1) Research and learn about countries and cultures with which you are not familiar. Begin with those that interest you and focus on those with which your organization is or will be engaged. Take advantage of the CultureActive© Tool, an extraordinary MPI member benefit. Tap into the global MPI community of more than 24,000 colleagues in 69 countries. The resources are there, they are extensive and they are there for you.
2) Map the future. The war for global talent is all about identifying current and future leaders. Start thinking and acting like one if you aren’t already doing so. Leaders develop a vision for the future and build a strategy to guide right actions. That vision may not become reality overnight, but the ability to anticipate and capitalize on new company directions will increase your value and advance your career as the company grows.
CAROL KRUGMAN, CMP, CMM, is director of client services for George P. Johnson, a global experience marketing agency with 25 offices worldwide. She can be reached at carol.krugman@gpj.com.
