My learning and mistakes as an expatriate. I left South Africa as a competent executive, with self-confidence, courage, and empathy as a leader, BUT I had a limited view of the world. I thought the way I saw the world was the way the world was, and even worse, should be. I believed that I was objective. Although I always respected facts, I had strong opinions. Some even said that I was stubborn.
I learned never to comment about different country practices until you have lived and worked in that country for at least a year. When I came to Europe, I was shocked by the maternity leave policies of countries. In Slovenia for example women had 1 year of maternity leave during which time their roles were protected. I questioned the impacts on productivity, but later I recognized a country with an incredibly competent women workforce, dare I say even more competent that their male counterparts. Given their competence I today would find workarounds for even longer periods.
I recall my first impressions on summer breaks in Europe where countries literally shutdown for a month a year of vacations. Working and reporting to a USA head office we literally were expected to be available 24/7 365 days a year. For me this was normal. My conditioning. How could these European countries be competitive? But through extensive work across global continents, I was able to appreciate the productivity associated with the personal renewal of a sabbatical vacation in which you were “really” off.
I even recall that I was shocked when a competent engineer applying for a position had 1 make or break criteria to be met, the number of vacations days could not be lower than at his current company. Through all my mistakes my foreign assignment successes were founded on my interpersonal skills. For this reason, I engage with companies to mentor associates who will embark on expat assignments.
Think Bigg-r 