Words Matter in Global Business ? Growth Nation
Those of you experienced in global business watched with us in amazement at Mitt Romney?s first day on the global stage in London this week. If it wasn?t so sad it would be comical. It has already been labeled #RomneyShambles by the Brits, and has taken off in Twitter.
What we say matters ? here, there or anywhere. But across borders you?re in someone?s home, and what you say has amplified significance.
Mr. Romney made six faux pas on his first day overseas.
First he failed to build credibility before giving some pretty sharp opinions. Part of the problem is that his staff must be inexperienced and didn?t think about words recorded in the U.S. the week before that would have different impact on foreign soil when released the next week. He might have credibility in some quarters in the U.S., but he doesn?t have it yet globally ? and so he should have waited to build that before taking a strong stand while overseas.
Second he was not discreet. He blabbed about a meeting with M16 when he should have kept his mouth closed. Indiscretion is not respected anywhere ? it?s a matter of trust.
Third he was not respectful of his hosts. You?ve got to listen especially on your first trip overseas. Listening is highly underrated ? and it?s a strength, not a weakness. When in someone?s home, always be respectful whether you agree or disagree with their business, politics or personal opinions.
Fourth he wasn?t careful in his speech. He viewed London ?from the backside? which doesn?t sound good in English no matter where you are. Anyone on foreign soil needs to pick words carefully ? because they will be translated.
Fifth he didn?t build rapport. He?s not the first person with a stiff interpersonal style, and that?s a difficult thing to overcome. Being warm, in the moment and pleasantly spontaneous is an asset when doing business overseas. If you don?t have that naturally, you need to slow things down and listen more.
Sixth and finally, he was not positive. He made negative and disparaging comments that would only naturally be taken the wrong way.
So this experience is a primer for anyone doing business overseas.
Here then are tips for international business success:
1) Listen before being listened to. Hear your hosts, listen, and build a rapport first before expecting to be listened to. It?s common courtesy in the U.S. and anywhere in the world. It?s a matter of respect.
2) Be discreet. Respect the customs of your host and be discreet on what you say and don?t say. Different cultures demand a different approach ? learn the customs first and act accordingly. Many books are available on this ? and my favorite is ?Riding the Waves of Culture? by Fons Trompenaars.
3) Be respectful. Similar to #2, the culture of the host matters. If you fail to yield to the culture, you will not gain the credibility you need to make a strong stand. It?s the exact opposite of what many practice. Some want to be blustery from day 1. That?s exactly the opposite approach from what typically works.
4) Be careful with your words. Watch what you say. Some folks have a tough time because they say things that get them in trouble, and so if that?s your issue, slow things down. Say less. Watch every word ? because the translation will get you in hot water every time, unless you keep your faux pas to a minimum, and then overcome them with charm.
5) Build rapport. Having natural warmth and charm is an asset. It comes from ?emotional intelligence?, being comfortable in your own skin and having a natural respect for others. When the other person knows that you respect them, you?ve built the rapport you need to make progress in any business discussion.
6) Be positive. Some people are naturally negative ? that?s not a good thing anywhere. If you tend to be a ?Debbie Downer? ? work on keeping conversations positive. Your Mom probably said the same thing to you as mine did ? ?If you can?t find anything positive to say, don?t say anything? ? it?s true anywhere in the world.
You can be successful with your forays into international business. It takes a little respect, warmth and care.
And when all else fails, apologize with sincerity.
Mr. Romney is obviously a very successful business person. And as some of you know I had a chance to run a project for the Salt Lake Olympics under his leadership, and I can attest first hand that it was a well run operation. Yet the very characteristics that made him successful there and as a venture capitalist can muck up the works in global business.
Ironic isn?t it? Sounds like the topic of a future blog post?
-->Source: http://growthnation.com/words-matter-in-global-business/
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