Developing a Global Mindset - Assignment Example

Developing A Global Mindset Introduction In the corporate world, the challenges of a global set-up are many. A lot of studies mainly focus on the organizational challenges of creating a global standard or set-up in a firm or a MNC. Not many have studied the transition of a human being’s mindset from an individualistic nature to a globally acceptable perspective (Covey, 2003, p.13). In this paper, I would like to chart the transition of the individualistic mindset of a student like me into a readily interdependent global mindset. Having a Global Mindset I have always been a production oriented or results oriented youngster whose main focus has always been to deliver results in appreciable speed and time. This focus has helped me deliver brilliantly under pressures and do well in challenging environments like the international crowd that I presently work in. From after college to now, I have been able to understand the different expectations of people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds, who are residing in my native country and working alongside me (Hofstede, 2002, p.3). Understanding different cultures is not equivalent to having a global mindset since all my adjustments to these people and my endeavors to make them comfortable in my land involves me being comfortable already since I am in my birthplace. The time has come when I have to make a move to a new country because there are better career opportunities in there (Nisbett, 2004, p.19). The situation this time, and every time from now on is going to be strikingly different from studying and working in an international environment as the one I am in now with different people holding different notions about Eastern and Western working philosophies surrounding me. We all know that Asian, Russian and European countries have distinct cultures wherein the natives have separate protocols for greeting each other, showing respect and communicating special meaning sentences to each other and elders and youngsters. Also, there will be one or more cultural backgrounds to meet at the workplace and this will lead to me being faced by a multi-variate cultural workplace. Therefore, I am going to relate how developing a global mindset through each perspective is going to be important to me using a strategic approach and not a critical or negative approach (McSweeney, 2002, p.1). Cultural Differences: Go With An Open Mind Whether in Bangkok, in Israel or in Czech Republic, a foreigner needs to understand, respect and to an extent adopt the different cultural practices in each place. Only then will he be able to interpret the communications happening at the workplace effectively and contribute to the overall performance of the company (Barber, 2010, p.14) by interacting using the multicultural understanding to represent his suggestions and ideas. I also find it interesting to learn from new cultures and hold an open minded and positive attitude towards meeting new people from various cultural backgrounds (Niratpattanasai, 2005, p.123). Creative Genius: Use Yours And Learn While On The Go Every new place will stir one’s creativity and help bring out a new side to oneself. I believe in using, rediscovering and learning up on my creativity and use my focus on results to deliver at the new workplace each and every time in every role (Belbin, 1993, p.62). While growing experience will help perform better each time, my pact with creativity and its usage in identifying new avenues in talent channeling will remain at the root of my achievements (Jonsson & Carlsson, 2000, p.269). This approach actually helps develop a global mindset efficiently because elements of new cultural practices get incorporated in individual personality (Florida, 2002, p.28) and helps one evolve greatly, both on and off work. Understanding the Psychology of Teamwork in a Different Culture As already mentioned, different cultures have different teamwork expectations like greeting elders and treating peers. When a multicultural team comes into existence, the parent culture of any company dominates the workplace communication and atmosphere. Also, people who join the multi-cultural atmosphere are adaptive and aware of differences and variety that they will meet while at work and want to do their best (Chapman, 1997, p.2). If one is not able to understand the individual psychology of each team member (Tuckman, 1965, p.385), which is usually based on his cultural background and previous work experience, one will not be able to effectively communicate with him (Rickards & Moger, 1999, p.87). Therefore, it is important that each team member or at least the team leader understands the psychology of every other individual in the team so that they can be motivated to follow the common protocols. Positive Channeling of Team Spirit and Professional Zeal and Energy A great part of having a global mindset involves mental development from quite an early stage in work life wherein the focus of the individual is towards positively channelizing resources. Participating actively in team work, contributing to the team spirit and productivity, learning ne practices and cultures and using my creativity, zeal and professionalism to deliver adequately towards the company goals is what I would consider a successful adaptation of the global mindset. To think above the geographical divide, not be influenced by local influencers or determinants (Diamond, 1999, p.71) and work towards building team efforts is highly essential. I also maintain that the mindset has to be consistent even if I have to work and perform in remote areas of the world, living in cultures that have practices which I do not consider sane. Even if I am surrounded by bizarre practices (Adler, 1997, p.12), to be able to deliver consistently with a positive outlook towards the society that I am being invited to be a part of is what I would consider to be a true global mindset. Conclusion Working in an international environment does not always mean that you have experienced the cultural diversity and challenge of understanding a new set of practices wholly. In fact, it is just the tip of the iceberg. A man is made by his experiences in life and if understanding how to develop a global mindset is to be studied, we will see that even the most avid traveler has a few experiences remaining (Covey, 2003). To me, maintaining a global mindset has a lot to do with three aspects of workplace culture which are understanding, respecting and being able to follow different cultures, understanding and leveraging the creative talent (Seltzer, 2015, p.34) of the new region or place and charting my own growth through my experiences and channelizing my energies positively (Barber, 2010, 14). Globalization for me is another word of worldwide productivity and development, which I will be able to contribute towards, if I have the mindset shared above. 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