10 + 1 = 11 keys to generating results in a foreign land
note: I by no means wish to give the impression I know all the answers to successfully working outside one's home country, or even that I am able to do what I say below. I have however learned enough to know these are things that I should be doing. I ask you to please adapt and improve on them as you see best. Please let me know so I can improve too! SET
1_ BE ONE
I recall learning of a Dutch journalist known for his close personal contacts with artists – especially those notorious for their refusal to be interviewed. How did he manage to break past these barriers? He did what they did and made them feel comfortable in doing so. If this meant smoking cigarettes, he smoked cigarettes. If this meant drinking whiskey (or whisky for my UK readers), he drank whiskey. I do not suggest committing illegal or unethical acts. I do suggest efforts be made to create common bonds among people you interact with.
(a) Cut down on differences between you and the people you work and live with. If you’re a Peace Corps volunteer living with a host family, leave your bedroom door unlocked when you leave the house and eat (and enjoy!) the food they do. If you’re an expat on a project in Indonesia, learn when your colleagues birthdays are, be aware of any major events that happen within their families, and whether it is joining for cake on a birthday, or visiting a family when a loved one dies, respond genuinely and respectfully whenever given the chance.
(b) Associate first and foremost with the people you are interacting with on a daily basis. In Albania, I celebrated being a Regional Council Worker, a resident of Berat, and a fan of the Tomorri Football Club; not a Peace Corps volunteer, an American, or a Minnesota Viking fan. (Even better, merge the two!) In Indonesia, I loved eating my nasi goring nanas and listening to Iwan Falls music. People will interpret your language and actions as a sign of respect for them. Speak as “we”, not as “you” and “I”. You are all on the same team now.
2_ BE POSITIVE
A favorite illustrative example of mine is to show people the letters “opportunity is nowhere”, and ask them how they prefer to interpret it: “no where” or “now here”?
(a) A positive attitude is 1,000x better than the alternative. Not only is it no fun being around negative people, it can be stressful and counterproductive.
(b) There are plenty of people in this world busy criticizing others or offering critiques on how something can be better. Good, let them continue. You have more important things to do.
3_ BUILD CREDIBILITY
A culture of some degree has likely been developed before you arrived. If not, for example, if it's a new project, great, as you can form the culture from day one. What ever the case, it is critical you prove to colleagues and other stakeholders that you can indeed perform.
(a) Start with small actions and accumulate your victories. Success speaks loudly.
(b) Dress each day like you are the dhëndër or nuse, the bride or groom to be in Albania. Appearances count for more than they probably should.
4_ BE PRESENT + PREPARED
(a) Whether it is a department that organizes its plans the morning of or one that uses a weekly sales meeting, determine the schedule and make sure you are there, more prepared than everyone else. If appropriate, supply an agenda before hand so others can prepare too. As soon as possible afterward, circulate notes to assist with implementation.
(b) Think strategically. To get things done, you will need the connections. Spend the time developing them, going on the coffee breaks, socializing during downtimes or whatever it may be, and have a fun time while doing so.
5_ DEVELOP (EXISTING) INSTITUTIONS
It might seem easier to do a task yourself, but in delegating, you’re empowering and reinforcing others. Make sure to support and celebrate successes (extremely important!). Things might not be perfect but avoid unnecessary critiques. Remember, it is unlikely you did this task perfect your first time, and confidence is critical.
(a) As you are a visitor outside your home, the institutions around you will likely be around after you leave, so why not work to grow them. It beats creating a group from scratch that will not function after your departure.
(b) If an organization exists, it probably has been granted some form of acceptance in the community, or at the very least is likely known. You get a head start.
6_ DEVELOP FRAMEWORKS & SYSTEMS
To be sustainable in the long-term, it is the process that will deliver the desired outcome that is key, not the short-term result.
(a) A record of activities quickly builds up. A little bit of work each day (or even each month) adds up over the long-run. In other words, a uniform process can produce quite a bit. And if others adopt this system, you have a true winner.
(b) The beginning can be quite challenging but in the long run you will have a diverse set of resources at your disposal.
7_ FAMILY & FRIENDS FIRST
(a) This comes first and foremost. It is not that these relationships are more important in Albania or Indonesia than they are in the States, but it definitely manifests itself in different ways. If a fourth cousin dies, the person will miss work. And you should pay a visit of condolence.
(b) The circle of family and friends is incredibly strong – and not kind to those outside of it. Learn to navigate these relationships.
8_ START AT THE TOP
(a) Things generally flow from the top. People may not do things unless the Mayor/Chairman/Managing Director says to do so. So, build a respectful relationship with this person.
(b) When you want to do something, present it to him or her first, and in turn it can be delegated down to the appropriate person.
9_ DON’T GET PISSED OFF
(a) The Stand-Off, a phrase coined by Peace Corps volunteer Mark Kritz, states that in order to win, one needs patience and persistence. People will generally never tell you “no”. So they may say “yes”, even if they have no intention of actually doing whatever it was that they agreed to.
(b) Generally, never get upset; utilize your patience and persistence. Eventually, everything can be made to happen.
10_ PROVIDE A MODEL
(a) Pictures, models, and real life examples are infinitely more effective than words alone. This applies in the United States, and it definitely applies in Albania or Indonesian when you are speaking a second language.
(b) Start with an example from Southwest Airlines (i.e. something from the outside), then follow it up with something from Tomi’s Restaurant & Hotel (i.e. something local). In other words, bring it home.
11_ MAKE A WINNER
(a) From your perspective, some things might not make much sense. Smile though, and think of a practical solution to solve the problem. Don’t forget our principles crafted from the Stand-Off model. Also, important to realize that it is very likely that your thinking – what you firmly believe could make things more efficient or effective - is as perplexing to the people you are with as the situation at hand is to you!
(b) To paraphrase Jeff Houghton, former Chief of Mission on an Albanian Chemonics International project, the country you are in has a different environment than the UK or the U.S., or whichever country you are from. Get over this fact, and make a difference.
1_ BE ONE
I recall learning of a Dutch journalist known for his close personal contacts with artists – especially those notorious for their refusal to be interviewed. How did he manage to break past these barriers? He did what they did and made them feel comfortable in doing so. If this meant smoking cigarettes, he smoked cigarettes. If this meant drinking whiskey (or whisky for my UK readers), he drank whiskey. I do not suggest committing illegal or unethical acts. I do suggest efforts be made to create common bonds among people you interact with.
(a) Cut down on differences between you and the people you work and live with. If you’re a Peace Corps volunteer living with a host family, leave your bedroom door unlocked when you leave the house and eat (and enjoy!) the food they do. If you’re an expat on a project in Indonesia, learn when your colleagues birthdays are, be aware of any major events that happen within their families, and whether it is joining for cake on a birthday, or visiting a family when a loved one dies, respond genuinely and respectfully whenever given the chance.
(b) Associate first and foremost with the people you are interacting with on a daily basis. In Albania, I celebrated being a Regional Council Worker, a resident of Berat, and a fan of the Tomorri Football Club; not a Peace Corps volunteer, an American, or a Minnesota Viking fan. (Even better, merge the two!) In Indonesia, I loved eating my nasi goring nanas and listening to Iwan Falls music. People will interpret your language and actions as a sign of respect for them. Speak as “we”, not as “you” and “I”. You are all on the same team now.
2_ BE POSITIVE
A favorite illustrative example of mine is to show people the letters “opportunity is nowhere”, and ask them how they prefer to interpret it: “no where” or “now here”?
(a) A positive attitude is 1,000x better than the alternative. Not only is it no fun being around negative people, it can be stressful and counterproductive.
(b) There are plenty of people in this world busy criticizing others or offering critiques on how something can be better. Good, let them continue. You have more important things to do.
3_ BUILD CREDIBILITY
A culture of some degree has likely been developed before you arrived. If not, for example, if it's a new project, great, as you can form the culture from day one. What ever the case, it is critical you prove to colleagues and other stakeholders that you can indeed perform.
(a) Start with small actions and accumulate your victories. Success speaks loudly.
(b) Dress each day like you are the dhëndër or nuse, the bride or groom to be in Albania. Appearances count for more than they probably should.
4_ BE PRESENT + PREPARED
(a) Whether it is a department that organizes its plans the morning of or one that uses a weekly sales meeting, determine the schedule and make sure you are there, more prepared than everyone else. If appropriate, supply an agenda before hand so others can prepare too. As soon as possible afterward, circulate notes to assist with implementation.
(b) Think strategically. To get things done, you will need the connections. Spend the time developing them, going on the coffee breaks, socializing during downtimes or whatever it may be, and have a fun time while doing so.
5_ DEVELOP (EXISTING) INSTITUTIONS
It might seem easier to do a task yourself, but in delegating, you’re empowering and reinforcing others. Make sure to support and celebrate successes (extremely important!). Things might not be perfect but avoid unnecessary critiques. Remember, it is unlikely you did this task perfect your first time, and confidence is critical.
(a) As you are a visitor outside your home, the institutions around you will likely be around after you leave, so why not work to grow them. It beats creating a group from scratch that will not function after your departure.
(b) If an organization exists, it probably has been granted some form of acceptance in the community, or at the very least is likely known. You get a head start.
6_ DEVELOP FRAMEWORKS & SYSTEMS
To be sustainable in the long-term, it is the process that will deliver the desired outcome that is key, not the short-term result.
(a) A record of activities quickly builds up. A little bit of work each day (or even each month) adds up over the long-run. In other words, a uniform process can produce quite a bit. And if others adopt this system, you have a true winner.
(b) The beginning can be quite challenging but in the long run you will have a diverse set of resources at your disposal.
7_ FAMILY & FRIENDS FIRST
(a) This comes first and foremost. It is not that these relationships are more important in Albania or Indonesia than they are in the States, but it definitely manifests itself in different ways. If a fourth cousin dies, the person will miss work. And you should pay a visit of condolence.
(b) The circle of family and friends is incredibly strong – and not kind to those outside of it. Learn to navigate these relationships.
8_ START AT THE TOP
(a) Things generally flow from the top. People may not do things unless the Mayor/Chairman/Managing Director says to do so. So, build a respectful relationship with this person.
(b) When you want to do something, present it to him or her first, and in turn it can be delegated down to the appropriate person.
9_ DON’T GET PISSED OFF
(a) The Stand-Off, a phrase coined by Peace Corps volunteer Mark Kritz, states that in order to win, one needs patience and persistence. People will generally never tell you “no”. So they may say “yes”, even if they have no intention of actually doing whatever it was that they agreed to.
(b) Generally, never get upset; utilize your patience and persistence. Eventually, everything can be made to happen.
10_ PROVIDE A MODEL
(a) Pictures, models, and real life examples are infinitely more effective than words alone. This applies in the United States, and it definitely applies in Albania or Indonesian when you are speaking a second language.
(b) Start with an example from Southwest Airlines (i.e. something from the outside), then follow it up with something from Tomi’s Restaurant & Hotel (i.e. something local). In other words, bring it home.
11_ MAKE A WINNER
(a) From your perspective, some things might not make much sense. Smile though, and think of a practical solution to solve the problem. Don’t forget our principles crafted from the Stand-Off model. Also, important to realize that it is very likely that your thinking – what you firmly believe could make things more efficient or effective - is as perplexing to the people you are with as the situation at hand is to you!
(b) To paraphrase Jeff Houghton, former Chief of Mission on an Albanian Chemonics International project, the country you are in has a different environment than the UK or the U.S., or whichever country you are from. Get over this fact, and make a difference.