Career Development - Oct07

Parting is such sweet sorrow

Overseas postings are highly advocated as they give you an edge over your peers.

In Singapore the scope is limited for marketing, communications and creative careers. With a population of 4.5 million, a mature consumer base, efficient logistics and infrastructure - the challenge is capped and somewhat cocooned.

Just within Asia the scope and challenges are very different from place to place. We have countries with large populations (e.g. China, India, Indonesia and Thailand) and to get a product to market with the developing world's consumer base and poor infrastructure results in logistical nightmares.

Some of us live in global villages powered by technology and air travel. Recent communications platforms like Skype and MSN make connecting with people and forming relationships anywhere and anytime a reality. Similarly, opportunities exist for us to have regional or even global responsibilities in our careers.

In order to be successful in handling regional or global responsibilities, an in-depth knowledge and understanding of values are vital. Understanding the culture and mindset of a target group from the establishment of strong relationships are able to influence outcome.

Like the old adage goes ‘First, win over hearts then win over minds', this was echoed in a conference I attended recently. Proctor and Gamble's associate director Jay Kelly said a key component of P&G's leadership development program is for managers to take stints abroad to develop their experiences in handling crises on large scales, to overcome culture shock, as well as familial and personal challenges. To truly understand values, cultures and mindsets of a certain group the best way is to experience their way of life. Reading on the subject is a start but experiences are real.

In the past, for Americans and Europeans to move up the global corporate ladder, a stint in Japan was a huge boost, but now increasingly the focus is on getting experience in China and India. For many Singaporeans, it is good to take the initiative to gain experience working overseas as these markets are in close proximity and language and culture are not huge barriers to overcome.

I can quote multiple examples of talents coming back to Singapore to take on promotions after proving their worth in a "hardship posting" where they were given more responsibilities and exposure. From a personal perspective, I believe my experience living and working in Australia, Singapore, Japan and my involvement in other markets around Asia has increased my effectiveness in my current regional role.

The experience one gains in emerging, exciting, dynamic markets like China and India are different from the experience one gains from mature, complex, culturally foreign markets like Japan, US or Europe. A few years under one's belt in a regional or even global market will dramatically open up avenues of opportunities. The invaluable understanding and appreciation of the psyche and mindset of the people in that market will provide a better leverage against industry peers.

Shortcuts to understanding a new market:

• Understanding local humour is the best way break through language, cultural and stereotype barriers.
• Understanding local values and culture gives one an appreciation on mindsets and thought patterns.
• When a yes does not always mean yes - Confrontations are cultural taboos in Asia. Best ideas and strategies will not have legs without grassroot support from locals.
• Nodding heads - Does not always mean they buy into your idea or strategy

Steven Pang
Regional Director, Asia

Aquent