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International Management Skills: The Importance of Understanding Cultural Differences
02 May 2012 by Diana Vanbrabant
Awards & Events, Career
Cultural differences and different languages can be challenging when leading a team remotely. Whether your team is based over different continents or all over the world, your communication skills will help you to keep your people motivated at all times.
As a manager of a multi-cultural and international team of people your understanding of their culture, their clients and the way of doing business in their part of the world is your key to success.
You may have come across 'lost in translation' situations where you have lost business, and you want to kick yourself because you didn't do your homework prior to closing the deal.
Managing an international team and business can be a different ball game and at times may require a different skill set; however the satisfaction you'll get out of it will be even greater and it feels like the world is your oyster when you succeed.
The best leader in the world will fail miserably if she is unable communicate to her team.
The importance of the skill of communication lies in the fact that it is not a discrete skill. Communication is inextricably linked to all the other leadership competencies. With good communication skills you will raise your profile in all aspects of your leadership role.
So, we look at how to hone the art and craft of language. We learn to speak clearly and to present logical and compelling arguments. We develop our style and focus on the content of what we have to communicate.
Sounds easy, doesn’t it?
But there is a lot more to it than that.
It is not only when we speak that we are communicating. Whenever we are around other human beings, communication is taking place. When we are watching the CEO’s presentation; when we are waiting for

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