Do You Have What It Takes? You Will!

We've talked about the mentor program, which I have had the good fortune of experiencing.  (Tip: Get a Mentor! Your life will never be the same!)

This specific mentor program, as you know, involves early morning meetings on a monthly basis where the mentors and the protégés (that's me) exchange ideas and get glimpses into relatively unfamiliar facets of the world.  We hear about the lives of leaders on a global scale, and even Russian, Venezuelan, Chinese, and German ex-pats' tales of life abroad (which can be a real hoot or slightly terrifying!).  And, let's just say this about that : Thank goodness they provide gallons of coffee because trying to function intelligently so early in the morning (7:30AM) is no picnic!

Now, to our topic of the day... Our most recent discussion crossed into What It Takes To Be A Good Global Leader.

Here are the main take-aways from that discussion that you can apply whether you're leadership role is in your personal life, your "All-American" organization, or your MNC looking to capture market share in every country across the Atlantic and beyond...

Adapt to Change and Uncertainty
On a global scale, we're talking cultural, political and currency risk, but every day, you face uncertainty. Your only option (well, the best option, at least) is to just go with it.  Adapt the best you can, do the best you can, and move on. The key is just adapting.  (Not sure if you've heard this, but - sadly - the world won't change to fit your needs.  We are the ones who have to bend.  Don't break, just bend.  Life will be easier, and in business, you'll get a lot farther.)

Stay Healthy!
I cannot stress this one enough!  Take care of yourself!  Traveling alone can wear you out!  (Planes? Hello, germs! Jet lag? Yikes!)  Pair that with the demands of functioning in our fast paced world, managing stress (that stuff can kill you!) and just overall trying to be the best that you can be, and it's no wonder your health can get a little wonky.

Be sure to bring your running shoes, your yoga mat, your goggles and flippers, whatever, with you when you travel.  Finding that balance between working the room and working out is invaluable because if you don't take care of your body, where will you live?  There's only one of you!  Take care of yourself!

Practice Diplomacy.
Realize you are a representative of your country, of your organization, of your family, etc.  Recognize the differences in people's cultures and upbringings.  Engage and communicate with others with humility and respect.  Be curious instead of judgmental.  (PS. That's not just a good business decision, but a good life decision.)

Use Your Time Effectively.
Be prepared.  Pre-plan.  Be clear about your objectives and keep them in mind as your guide.  Don't lose sight of your goal, and do the brain work early so you can be efficient.  You will always have time limits and other constraints.  By being prepared, you'll not only be calmer, but more confident and better equipped to deal with those constraints and any other curve balls that come your way! (Cue Inevitable Uncertainties!)

Have Passion!
Holy moly, have I heard this as I slog my way through this job-search gig!

Here's the gist: If you are not passionate about what you're doing, get your tail outta there!  Make a change immediately if not sooner!  Buck up, cowboy!  You're not where you should be!  And your happiness in this short adventure we call life should not be on hiatus for a paycheck!

And on that note, consider this: Where you think you should be and where you really are meant to be may not look exactly the same, nor even look like what you thought.  So, be flexible and adapt (ah, there it is again!) to unforeseen opportunities that come your way, particularly those that are outside a rigid definition of the "right" company or industry.  Practice being open. In the words of Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places You'll Go!  (But, before you go hightailing it, also be sure to Plan Effectively.  Don't go jumping into any River Rapids without a Paddle! Follow your heart, but take your brain with you!)
. . .
I think we can all incorporate these ideas and practices into our lives, global leaders or not.  Remarkably, you impact those around you more than you think.  You are a leader in your own life, and you can set an example that will inspire and motivate others.  Think of it like a ripple effect.  You really can be the change you want to see in the world on your way to becoming the leader you dream of being!