The Landscape and Garden Blog
Aug
17
Identifying employees with the potential as an international manager and who is able and willing to take on the international assignment, appropriate business training should become an integral part of the process. The business training should include advanced management skills and numerous briefings covering the details of the political, historical, social, economical and business environment of the country they will be either moving to or traveling to with extended stays. Also, the business training should encompass cross-cultural awareness in order for the new international manager to appreciate the beliefs, values and practices of the country and how their own culture is seen by the people they will be encountering.
Language training is also very important and should not be left as a last minute task. Fluidity in the language of the country they will be managing will give them the vocabulary skills necessary to communicate effectively not only with the employees, but with the company’s clients and customers. Going abroad with only a rudimentary understanding of the language can lead to loss of good employees, a drop in customers and profits.
A key strategic imperative in managing an international business is effectively training the international managers. Managers who have the knowledge, skills, motivation, experience, great people skills, leadership skills and cultural sensitivity will allow them to create and sustain a competitive advantage. Business training needs to be all inclusive, meaning it takes time and patience to develop a great international manager, but it will be time well worth the investment.
Related posts:
Designed by Tim Sainburg from Brambling Design
