By Hope Katz Gibbs, Founder and Publisher
Be Inkandescent magazine
When it comes to thinking globally, “Most people figure this can’t be rocket science; any good manager can figure it out,” Javidan says in this YouTube video.
Though that’s probably true, he says, “There’s a hard way, and an easy way. The hard way is by parachuting a manager into a global environment without any support or multicultural understanding.
“The manager may have the best technical skills, but if the manager’s level of global mindset is low, that person is going to go through a very painful, frustrating experience. And in fact it may jeopardize the company’s and the manager’s ability to work in that situation”—and result in the company losing business.
The easier way, he says, is to be proactive.
That’s the goal of his new book, which he wrote with colleague Jennie L. Walker, PhD: Developing Your Global Mindset: The Handbook for Successful Global Leaders. This resource guide is a must-read for managers and leaders in global roles or who have global responsibilities.
The Purpose
In 2007, the Global Mindset Inventory (GMI) was first introduced to corporations and graduate business programs, Javidan explains.
“By completing this Internet-based questionnaire, managers find out which areas are their strengths and where they need to further develop,” he shares.
In consultation with managers, executives, and some experienced international executive coaches, they offer advice and ideas on how a manager can improve on all elements of 35 scientifically defined capabilities within the Global Mindset Inventory.
“All of the ideas are very actionable and very specific, and they don’t usually take much time to implement,” Javidan explained in our podcast interview for the Inkandesent Radio Network. “The development tips may be used by individuals or for direct reports, coaches, and teams.” In addition to the development suggestions, narratives throughout the book illustrate the various components of the Global Mindset in action.
The Approach
The diverse international experiences of the contributing authors bring Global Mindset to life. So do the seven intriguing case studies at the end of the book, which transport the reader into complex, real-world scenarios that cross geographic and cultural borders.
Don’t Stop Now! Click here learn about Javidan and Walker’s Nine Steps to Creating a Global Mindset in our August 2013 Tips for Entrepreneurs column.
