“The Global Business Leader”
“The Global Business Leader”, Reveals the Skills and Techniques Needed to Become a Transcultural Leader in Today’s International Marketplace
In an increasingly connected world, the ability to operate in a multi-cultural environment represents one of the greatest challenges facing leaders in business and beyond. However, there are skills and techniques that can be honed in order for leaders to successfully work in and across different geographies, according to author J. Frank Brown.
These techniques and practices are revealed in The Global Business Leader: Practical Advice for Success in a Transcultural Marketplace (Palgrave Macmillan Hardcover, 2007), written by J. Frank Brown, Dean of the international business school INSEAD. Drawing upon his 26 years of business experience, Brown uses clear examples to show how to develop the transcultural leadership skills that are necessary to usher companies into new markets, drive growth and responsibility and sustain a culture of excellence.
“The successful conduct of business globally requires a fundamental shift in traditional mindsets and one's ability to transform cultural differences from perceived obstacles to exceptional opportunities,” said Richard L. Baird, Global Managing Partner – People, PricewaterhouseCoopers. “Brown addresses and debunks the myths surrounding global inefficiency and provides the reader with clear and compelling rationale for achieving high performance in good times and challenging times. This is more than a case study in business sensitivity--rather it is a tried and true roadmap of transcultural success from a leader who has been there.”
The book will benefit both new and seasoned leaders alike by providing answers to fundamental questions on values, networking and communications to more complex issues such as global crisis management and leading into change and innovation. By providing real-world examples, the book will serve as a guide for those looking to navigate the constantly evolving global marketplace.
Based on 26 years of global business experience, Brown shares the most critical elements for becoming a more effective global leader:
- Communications: One of the most important attributes of a leader is the ability to communicate effectively. This is particularly true when conducting business in a global arena in order to avoid any cultural misunderstandings with written or oral communications.
- Networking and Relationship Building: The process for networking varies across cultures and transcultural leaders should be aware of these nuances when working in other countries. The value networking can bring (when done correctly) is immeasurable.
- Mentoring: Leaders who want to develop their talent pool and build the next generation of leadership should encourage mentorship within their teams and serve as a mentor themselves.
- Executive Presence: Having executive presence becomes even more important when venturing into a global arena, where showing respect for the culture you are dealing in is vital.
- Team Building: In the international marketplace, a global business leader must be well-versed in building and dealing with teams, as well as managing them.
- Goal Setting: The best leaders set aggressive, yet achievable goals and then work with their teams to meet them. When working across global teams, setting realistic goals is essential in order to meet business objectives.
- Decision Making: Leaders’ decision making styles tend to vary from one culture to the next, and one must take this into account when conducting business in other geographies. A good leader will make decisions based, not on self-preservation and not on pressure from politicians who fester in the organisation, but on what the best course of action is for the organization and its stakeholders.
- Change and Innovation: The transcultural leader will identify and address – with patience and sensitivity - cultural barriers to change and innovation.
- Crisis Management: Reaction to crisis means different things in different cultures. Transcultural leaders never assume that everyone will naturally recognise and respond to a crisis the same way.
- Work-Life Balance: There are many work-life issues to be aware of when doing business in a multicultural setting. It is important to determine what the work-life expectations are before setting any schedules.
About the Author
J. FRANK BROWN is the current Dean of INSEAD, the leading international business school with campuses in Europe and Asia. Prior to joining INSEAD, Brown had a distinguished 26-year career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, including leadership of the firm's Assurance and Business Advisory Service, Transactions Services and Corporate Development practices, then becoming head of the $3.5 billion Advisory Services operating unit. At the firm, Brown started a leadership development programme called Genesis Park in order to develop the next generation of PwC leaders, drive cultural change and promote a global perspective.
Brown is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut State Societies of Certified Public Accountants. He is Chairman Emeritus of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New York and former member of both the Iona College Board of Trustees and Bucknell University Business Advisory Board, both in the USA. Brown received his B.S.B.A. from Bucknell University and attended the Wharton Business School's Advanced Management Program. Before becoming Dean, he served as a member of the INSEAD Board and as Chairman of the school's US Council.
About the Book
Title: The Global Business Leader
Subtitle: Practical Advice for Success in a Transcultural Marketplace
Author: J. Frank Brown
Published by Palgrave Macmillan as part of the INSEAD Business Press Series
Publication date: November 2007
Price: 25 Euros Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-230-52215-2
