Do you have what it takes to be a global business leader? The seven critical skills you need to stand out amid the best.
Themelina Kassiou, affectionately known as Tammy Kassiou, is a global entrepreneur, respected philanthropist and founder and chairperson of multiple multinational companies. Living in Timor-Leste and heading up the delivery of world leading training and development, employment and job mobilisation programs across multiple countries, Tammy Kassiou understands the leadership and management skills and capabilities necessary to successfully lead multinational businesses.
According to Tammy Kassiou, if you want to be successful in today’s unpredictable global economy, you must have the skills to do business all around the world. Global leaders manage businesses where there are different legal, economic, cultural and social systems at play. In order to achieve a common international objective, they are able to communicate in and adapt their strategies to multiple environments and cultures.
Global business leaders are the crème de la crème of the business world. They have a specific skillset that is unparalleled to other businesspersons that aids them in working across regional, national and subnational boundaries. Tammy Kassiou outlines the seven critical skills required of a global leader:
- The ability to be present is number one on this list because it is often the most undervalued skill of an effective global leader. Your fancy position or title only gets you one foot in the door. If you want to be in the room and sitting amongst the most renown international leaders in the world, you need the full package. Your confidence, sincere interest in other people, energy level, and body language make up the largest proportion of a present leader, particularly one where they’re expected to shine country-to-country. These elements of a leader are not superficial; they are critical in transcending your own cultural perspective, and being an approachable and respected global leader.
- Self-awareness. Recognising that your home culture and background are not inherently superior than any others is the first step in developing a genuine interest in the lives and cultures of others. Mastering the global business arena will not be possible unless you understand that where your beliefs differ from others, the other person isn’t necessarily wrong. Assuming ‘your wrong and I’m right’ in most situations will come off as intolerant, offensive and not self-aware – and drastically diminish your global leadership capabilities.
- Strategic thinking. Applying strategic thinking means that you are able to break into new markets, learn new business models and develop brand presence that is a cut above the competition. When you have a global vision you are able to manage your company strategically with the best employees available and most innovative business practices. That deeper understanding of how the business world works, and how you business stands out in different countries and economies, positions you as a strategic global leader that can flourish abroad.
- Well-spoken. If you can’t converse in the local language, which obviously would be the best option, the ability to speak clearly and articulate what you mean in a professional manner that can be translated is critical. Being well spoken is a powerful global business skill, particularly when you throw in the challenge of working with an interpreter. Leading a business across multiple countries’ boarders means that you cannot fumble through conversations, you must captivate the global stage with confident communication abilities, and universally accepted manners and negotiation skills.
- Being a global leader means that you could be communicating and interacting with ten different nationalities in the one day – and you must be able to adapt to each one. Adapting your leadership style depending on the country you are dealing with is essential so that you do not come off as arrogant or insensitive to the local team. Achieving the right balance between making decisions, and listening and learning to overseas employees, is an effective global business skill.
- Conflict resolution. Conflict resolution comes in a number of forms – choosing the right one to implement when the time comes is critical. Managing multiple viewpoints and perspectives when they’re coming from various countries is central to a successful global leader. Being flexible, responsive, open to learning and balanced in your approach to conflict resolution will shape your ability to effectively manage short and long term objectives.
- Open minded. New experiences and unchartered territories are just part of the job description for a global leader. In order to be most effective in your role you must be open to these global opportunities and show interest in the unknown. Open mindedness is a key characteristic of a global business leader that shows humility. Demonstrating that you want to learn more and that that you can listen and retain information from your local team will stand you in good stead. Showing a general curiosity when conversing with overseas employees is a good trait, however also proving that you have familiarised yourself with the cultures of other countries in your own time should not be underestimated.
Currently located in Dili, Timor-Leste, Themelina Kassiou (Tammy Kassiou), leads and manages her companies across multiple countries and also provides mentoring for many emerging leaders in her industry.