Conclusion
Global acumen, according to Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), is the ability to operate and collaborate effectively with a mind-set that transcends geographic and cultural differences. A global citizen understands differences while working with diverse people—either culturally or geographically—to produce the best results.
Last week I gave the first suggestion for improving one’s global acumen, from my point of view as a millennial who survived a two-year assignment in the concrete jungles of New York. Here are the rest:
Work overseas. I believe that working and living abroad is one of the best ways to develop global acumen. Having spent two years in the West, I now have a better grasp of the differences between Western and Asian cultures and, I tell you, there are a lot. I won’t say that I am an expert, but I now understand better how to interact with different people from different cultures.
In New York City, I had a very diverse team with people of at least eight different nationalities. I remember one of my coaching
sessions with my manager, who was Korean. She told me that Westerners like to have regular catch-ups for status updates. For Asians, we solve problems on our own and tell our team when a solution is either elusive or found.
Working in a totally different environment is not easy. You have to face a lot of challenges—culture shock, homesickness and language barriers, among others. However, looking back at my experience, it was all worth it. I salute all the Filipinos working around the world.
PwC’s “NextGen: A global generational study” concluded that more millennials (those born between 1980 and 1995) view the opportunity to work overseas as part of their desired career path than their non-millennial counterparts.
Learn from other people. If you are not working abroad, it does not mean that you don’t have opportunities to hone your global acumen. As companies increase their diversity, you can improve your global awareness by working with people who have worked overseas. Even if you are not working directly with them, you can ask about their experiences and, in the process, you can make new friends. I’ve worked with seniors and managers who were assigned to other locations, and they gave me valuable advice that helped me in my secondment.
When I traveled to Peru, I met a Venezuelan who traveled across South America and now works at a start-up in Lima. We became friends, and I’m still in contact with him. Did you know that, in Latin America, they also celebrate the Lenten season the way we do, and call it Semana Santa? I’ve also met a Japanese consultant who works in a Big Four firm, and we trade insights on business culture differences.
There are now more foreign professionals in the Philippines. Look at these as opportunities to invest in relationships with them while growing your own global acumen. Understand how they work. If you have a professional services job or any other client-facing job, you might have the chance to work with international teams. Build your network and proactively seek prospects for global exposure.
Understanding how the global economy works is a challenging task, but the long-term benefits of having an improved global acumen are endless. During my first few months in New York, I struggled, just like other first-time overseas workers. But, with patience, determination, and willingness to learn, I was able to understand the culture, adjust, and adapt to it. My experience has taught me to have a different view of the world and appreciate diversity and inclusion. Focusing on improving my global acumen has helped me engage in better and more meaningful conversations with the team and clients. I became more comfortable working with diverse teams and across geographic boundaries. I still have a lot to work on professionally, but I can say that my global acumen has improved significantly.
Now, I am back in my home country. I have returned with these experiences I had with my team. It is now my turn to help others build their global confidence.
Kevin M. Aycardo is an Audit Manager in the Financial Services Industry Practice of Isla Lipana & Co. He just completed his 24-month posting in PwC Coopers New York, USA.
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