Cultivating a Worldview as a Global Leader
As we embrace the back-to-school energy, we also honored Hispanic Heritage Month in September, an opportunity for us to celebrate the enduring impact of Hispanic and Latino Americans on our society. This celebration of diversity resonates with this month’s topic of cultivating a global leadership mindset, a theme I recently explored in dialogue with executive business leaders, co-facilitated by my colleague Patty Lian, VP of International Strategy and Global Chinese Consumer Business at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. Our exchange proved to be a rich exploration of how we can broaden our perspectives and enhance leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.
Our discussion underscored a principle that is incredibly meaningful for me: forming human connections beyond barriers. Patty and I initiated the discussion with participants by delving into the importance of embracing diversity of thought in leadership. One participant observed that sometimes you learn more from those you disagree with, which then sparked a lively discussion about seeking out challenging perspectives. I encouraged participants to consider how they can sharpen their critical thinking and broaden their understanding of complex global issues through multicultural and multi-ethnic relationships, noting it isn't just about meeting people who are different from you, but about truly forming a connection and learning from them.
During the conversation, one participant noted that she developed a heightened sense of awareness from not being in her home country and surrounded by familiar things, which became a superpower over time. She shared, "Being global and moving countries changes your ability to have empathy, to hear different things, to have a heightened sense of awareness, to adapt to change." This sentiment captures the essence of what we aim to achieve as global leaders.
Another key insight that emerged was the need to recognize our privileges. As leaders, being aware of our advantages allows us to connect more authentically with others and work towards greater equity. This awareness ties directly into the power of fostering empathy, particularly in explaining diverse experiences to create more inclusive workplaces. For global leaders, this often means striking a delicate balance between honoring one's heritage and adapting to new environments.
Communication across cultures was another focal point. We discussed how language differences exist even among English speakers from different countries, emphasizing the importance of active listening and clear communication. I shared my personal insight - You have to understand your personal and professional motivation to learn about the world, and also lift up your gaze and learn to search for that information about your work.
One participant noted that she always needs to remind herself to stay globally informed, which resonated strongly with the group. It is indeed important for us as leaders to make an effort to learn about underreported global issues, especially those affecting our work or colleagues. I often challenge my clients to think about how they can broaden their information sources and develop a more comprehensive global perspective.
In our increasingly digital age, we discussed the importance of building community to counterbalance our reliance on technology. I encouraged participants to consider how they, as leaders, can foster these connections within their organizations and beyond, emphasizing that true global leadership is about creating genuine human connections.
As we ramp back up with our busy schedules after the summer holidays, I encourage you to pause and reflect on how you can apply these insights in your leadership journey. Consider how diverse perspectives can enrich your worldview and enhance your leadership approach.
Now I'd love to hear from you - what are your strategies and experiences in cultivating a worldview as a global leader? Drop me a note!
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Take a moment to reflect on your own journey:
Describe a cross-cultural encounter that changed your leadership. What were you able to unlearn?
How do your privileges affect your interactions with diverse backgrounds, and how can you be more inclusive?
What strategies have you used to promote empathy within your team and how can you continue to respect diverse perspectives?
Reflect on your contributions to the global community. How can you enhance your impact and build stronger connections with diverse backgrounds?