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!

Are You Literate?

Check this out:  Robinson College of Business offers an incredible mentor program through the Institute of International Business, including a monthly meeting, "CrossTalk," where an entire cohort of mentors and proteges meet to exchange ideas.  It may have changed my life!  Without fail, , the renewed energy towards my student career and professional career unfolds in a new light with every CrossTalk.  The two nuggets of wisdom below are a few of many extracted from the recent idea exchange between global business leaders of today and the proteges who will be leaders tomorrow.

Now, here we go... 

Chances are pretty high that you already know how to read, write & speak, but can you speak the language of Business?

Well, hang on.  First and foremost, let me take a step back and start again. Can you read, write and speak?

To be a respected and followed leader, your basic business skills must include strong reading, writing and communications skills.  Period.  The recent buzz around the weaknesses in professionalism and proficient communication skills means you must make sure your skills are stellar!

You've got a good grasp of these skills?  Then, what next?  Well, of course, you want to be more than just a big fish in a small pond, right?  To take yourself to the next level, become fluent in the Language of Business.  Know the words, the trends, the people, the publications, the books that are relevant to not only general business, but to your industry.

Check out trade publications that are relevant, but that also interest you.  

If your eyes glaze over before you even finish the letter from the editor, chances are you wasted your money on a magazine you'll never read, and that certainly isn't your goal!  You want to know things!  You want people to know you know things!  Find relevant, engaging publications that your peers, clients, boss and industry movers and shakers would read.

Think about this.  The staggering results of being "Literate" will allow you a deeper glimpse into the world in which you live and work.  Empower yourself to hold your own in the boardroom, the classroom and at networking events or cocktail parties.  What if the CEO of your dream company is next to you in the buffet line?  Can you get his attention with your well-informed, intelligent dialogue?  Think of it like the 30 Second Elevator's Speech's close cousin.

Next, become an expert.

If you're looking to dive into international business, specialize in a particular part of the world.  (PS. Every company is a global company, so yes, this includes you even if you're defining your career goals or company strategy domestically.)

Decide on a country or region of the world that means something to you - even if you think it has nothing to do with those career goals or strategic decisions.  Be an expert in Italy simply simply because you're Italian.  Pick somewhere that matters to you!

Say you do select Italy, a founding member of the EU.  The world is flat! Consider the effects of the Italian culture and economy on the EU culture, its social norms, business etiquette, economic policy, and legal regulations.  Recognize the impacts of those elements on the other EU countries, their global trading partners, and the global economy.  See?  Kind of a big deal!

Saddle up and harness your potential to improve your professional prowess.  Build your awareness of the world outside of your own.  Speak the Language of Business with proficiency and ease and you'll advance to a higher level of leadership!

Job Search continues...

The job search just started, and it is already is in full swing!

First of all, I must mention & thank my mentor who has guided me through the process.  (If you haven't found a mentor, you simply must stop reading immediately and start looking into mentoring programs.  The experience, wisdom and support a mentor can provide is simply invaluable!)

So far, the Mentor Extraordinaire and I have made a list of my ideal companies - even including the pie-in-the-sky ones!  Next, we will begin selecting the top 10 to really target.  However will I decide?!

So far, here are my "Must-Have's":
1)International training programs and/or international travel opportunities, and
2)A product or service that I can really get behind... No McDonald's expansion endeavors in the future for this girl!

I'm very excited to see what becomes of it all, especially since someone recently noted that now is the time to go after my dream job, and he is absolutely right.  Why not!?  At this stage, I can be flexible and committed to any opportunity.  (That McKinsey article really resonated with me!)

I am now particularly open to those opportunities that will take me abroad!  How exhilarating!  A fresh start ahead, and with an MBA and a sparkling résumé (well, it will be once I'm done with it!), I may just find the perfect job I never knew I always wanted. :)

Now I just have to touch up my résumé and "get to work" so to speak!  Wish me luck and pass along any tips you have on how you found your dream job!