Month: January 2017

4 Leadership Essentials for Navigating Cultural Differences

Posted on January 30, 2017 by - Articles

There’s an enormous difference between talking and communicating….

And leaders, who seek to truly connect with people, must understand this vital difference.

Communication takes into account the unspoken cultural realities that can define and interpret the message. As Erin Meyer taught us at the 2016 Global Leadership Summit, “We’re all speaking between the lines, but the context of the conversation is very different.”

I am living out this lesson in real time on my current trip in Australia and India, where I am connecting with GLS teams. Along the way my wife, Nora and I stopped in the Australian city of Townsville, to visit our son and his wife, along with our new grandchild. At one point, my wife approached our daughter-in-law with a request laced in typical Canadian courtesy, “Do you mind if I hold the baby?”

Our daughter-in-law responded with typical Australian straight-forwardness, “Why would you want to know whether or not I mind?”

She was not being rude. To her (in the Australian cultural context of directness), she didn’t know why my wife hadn’t simply asked, “May I hold the baby?”

It’s relatively easy to navigate these waters within the context of a loving family unit, but sometimes the leadership stakes are higher. Such as,

  • As an American, should you be worried when you’ve been waiting two days for an email reply from an associate in the Philippines?
  • As a Latin American, when your visitor from the U.S. wants to discuss business over lunch, should you be surprised and wonder where the relationship building is?
  • As a German, how do you respond to all the praise you are receiving from North American colleagues for simply doing your job?

Whether or not you regularly work on an international platform, the fact is that today we live in a global marketplace. And knowing how to navigate these cultural nuances can mean the difference between truly communicating, and simply talking.

In my own role, which involves extensive international travel, I have learned that the starting place is to focus on these four essentials:

  1. Understand from the outset that there are different cultural contexts that will affect understanding.
  2. Openly acknowledge your lack of familiarity with the local culture. Your colleagues will grant you grace.
  3. Become a student of the cultural world into which you are entering.
  4. Always use ‘respect’ as your lead card. Never lead with the assumption that everyone else should accommodate your own cultural norm.

For advanced credit, revisit Erin Meyer’s talk from the 2016 Global Leadership Summit, and read her book, The Culture Map.

But until you do, start by focusing on these four essentials.

It’s the quickest way to move from merely talking to truly communicating.

GLS Impact | Leaders of Hope in Vietnam (Part 7 of 7)

Posted on January 30, 2017 by - Asia, Stories

Most people are surprised to find out that an event like the Global Leadership Summit is growing in places like Vietnam — a country some people consider a godless nation.

But what we’ve seen in the relatively small community of Christians in Vietnam, are growing passionate churches, hungry to bring the Gospel to their communities.

Through the GLS and the support of generous donors, thousands of Christians are being trained and equipped in their leadership in Vietnam.

In light of Vietnam’s New Year celebration this week, we’ve been sharing testimonies of leaders from all over Vietnam who attended the GLS last month, many of them moved to do extraordinary things because of the encouragement they received.

Ten years ago, God called me to do something big as a leader. I felt the Holy Spirit encouraged me to do something special and I decided to move from my hometown to Ho Chi Minh City to serve in God’s work. I have faced many difficulties in this big city, including the language difference and living far away from home. But I believed that God had a plan for me in this life. I prayed many times to have chances to study from great leaders. And today, taking part in the GLS is one of the biggest gifts God has given me. When I learned these teachings, I received a vision from God that I would love to transform my countryside in God’s work. My vision is that there will be seven million people who will hear the Gospel and receive salvation in my hometown. These GLS teachings have given me more motivation and more strength to serve God. – Vy’ Tony

Everything has a season and God will send the right person to come at the right time. The GLS is truly a gift from God that benefits my work and enriches my soul. The Lord reminds me of my experiences with potential customers and what I did in the past, which can encourage me and give me new strength and hope in my life of work. What a great conference! – Tran Hong Phu Quy, director of a tourist company in Vietnam

 

I am very impressed with the teaching  on The Intangibles of Leadership. I felt touched by the Lord when I was listening to these teachings. As a leader, I need to review myself and change to lead with love and sacrifice. I realized things I need to change to be better. I will share what I learn from the GLS event with my team.  My soul is renewed and anointed by the Lord. Thanks to God for everything. Thanks to God for giving me this amazing chance to be here at the GLS conference this year! – Vo Ngoc Tan, church leader, Vietnam

I was extremely impressed by Albert Tate’s message at the GLS. He has a good sense of humor and makes people laugh. But his message really woke up my heart too. Sometimes we’ve said we give to God, but we still want to direct God on what to do. However, he reminded me of an experience from my past, and reflecting on it made my eyes burst into tears of joy. Seven years ago, I had kidney stones, and I prayed to be healed. I was so very worried about it, and even though I prayed, I complained and found my own ways to treat it until I was exhausted. One day, I was taken to a hospital and the doctor said I was going to die if I didn’t have the operation. But I didn’t have enough money. It was a terrible time for me, but God taught me to pray and get out of the way. The Lord saved me by using a stranger to help me with funds, and the operation was done successfully. Praise the Lord. Albert’s lesson today reminds me of God’s blessings that encourage my ministry. – Tran Thi Cac Thu, pastor in Vietnam

Thank you for pray for and supporting the growth of the GLS in Vietnam!

To learn more about how the GLS came to be in Vietnam, watch this video.

GLS Impact | Leaders of Hope in Vietnam (Part 6 of 7)

Posted on January 29, 2017 by - Asia, Stories

Most people are surprised to find out that an event like the Global Leadership Summit is growing in places like Vietnam — a country some people consider a godless nation.

But what we’ve seen in the relatively small community of Christians in Vietnam, are growing passionate churches, hungry to bring the Gospel to their communities.

Through the GLS and the support of generous donors, thousands of Christians are being trained and equipped in their leadership in Vietnam.

In light of Vietnam’s New Year celebration this week, we’ve been sharing testimonies of leaders from all over Vietnam who attended the GLS last month, many of them moved to do extraordinary things because of the encouragement they received.

When Albert Tate shared about the power of “dumb” ideas, I saw myself in that context. I was the first one in the north region of Vietnam who decided to go rescue drug addicts. I took them to my home to care for them and disciple them to be good people in life. Many people at that time opposed my “dumb” idea. It is exactly like Albert Tate shared—Jesus uses “dumb” ideas to transform people. What is limited in our hands is not limited in God’s hands. We just bring our ideas to God, and when we step out of the way, we see the awesome wonder of God’s work. Yes, Lord! I am seeing the grace of God! Up to now, there are about one thousand drug addicts who are saved by God’s power and grace. Thanks to God for His love. And thanks to God for providing me with very encouraging teachings from the GLS. I am also inspired to keep leading my church. The teaching also reminded me to share my leadership knowledge and God’s grace to others in order to enlarge the capacity of the leaders of my church. I am so thankful for the opportunity to share my heart. – Nguyen Van Cam, church leader, Vietnam

 

What strikes me most today, is that changing our thinking can change our life. If Abraham had just stayed in his homeland, he wouldn’t have become the leader to change the world. The church now is bound by traditions and old doctrines and doesn’t want to move on. The GLS has taught me a lot of things. But what I really want to share and take back to my congregation is about the power of the local church. I will encourage and influence my sheep about their role in the community. A Christian is not just the one who believes to be saved – that’s not enough. Christians are the salt and light of the world to influence the community and to create a better world, to do greater things to serve God. – Pastor Do Thanh Nhan, Vietnam

 

I feel the day of the Lord is at hand when I and every leader unite in their leadership and love. Never before have the churches from so many denominations gathered at such an event. This is the time of revival, the time of uniting the believers from the North and the South. I feel it is the power of God that gives us such wonderful messages that I never learned before. The GLS helps us be aware of where we are standing, and realize clearly our heavenly calling to do His works. These lessons encouraged me a lot in my ministry. I am especially impressed with the message shared by Chris Brown. He challenges all of us as leaders about our attitude toward our roles. We have healthier thinking and are led to change. I am grateful to the Lord who made this GLS happen in Vietnam. It’s the best event I have ever attended. – Pastor Tran Dong San, Vietnam

Thank you for pray for and supporting the growth of the GLS in Vietnam!

To learn more about how the GLS came to be in Vietnam, watch this video.

GLS Impact | Leaders of Hope in Vietnam (Part 5 of 7)

Posted on January 28, 2017 by - Asia, Stories

Most people are surprised to find out that an event like the Global Leadership Summit is growing in places like Vietnam — a country some people consider a godless nation.

But what we’ve seen in the relatively small community of Christians in Vietnam, are growing passionate churches, hungry to bring the Gospel to their communities.

Through the GLS and the support of generous donors, thousands of Christians are being trained and equipped in their leadership in Vietnam.

In light of Vietnam’s New Year celebration today, we’ve been sharing testimonies of leaders from all over Vietnam who attended the GLS last month, many of them moved to do extraordinary things because of the encouragement they received.

Praise the Lord for his goodness. I am very happy to have this opportunity to be here today. Three years ago I had a heart attack. It was a terrible period of time. But praise the Lord, the local church in my area came to my house and prayed for me. My heart attack was no more. Hallelujah! At first, I didn’t totally believe that there was a God who loved me and who could heal me. But miracles continue to happen. I am very encouraged to hear such wonderful sessions more than ever. The GLS makes me stronger. And I don’t want people to call me a veteran any more, but  rather, a soldier for God. Age can’t prevent me from serving God in my local church. Amen. – Military veteran, Vietnam

 

The teachings of GLS are very powerful. One of my favorite teachings was from the session called The Intangibles of Leadership. I loved this message about leading with love and bringing people to success.

I have been working as a leader for a long time, but I did not really realize what leadership really was. Through the GLS, the Lord touched my soul and I was called to change. I need to change my leadership style so I can bring people around me to success. I realized I want my goal for my leadership to be bringing God’s love to everyone around me, and transforming people by lifting them up. I cannot win something alone; I need a team around me in order to build up our church and spread the word of God.

I will share this knowledge with my team and help them understand that each one of us is a leader wherever we are. I wish this GLS conference could be enlarged to all people in our community, because they all need to lead their life with these great principles. – Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thu, church volunteer and business leader in Vietnam

This is my second time attending the GLS in Vietnam. The teachings are very valuable for my work as a corporate leader. I totally changed my working style since the GLS last year. I started leading with love, and encouraging and building up leaders around me. I now lead with love to share ideas and delegate jobs to my staff.

I took the lessons of the GLS and made them my principles. Through influence, the principles I live and lead by are creating change in the people around me. People started to change their attitude. They are friendlier and trust me more. Work is going better. I praise and thank God for loving me and providing good lessons that help me to be a wiser leader. I’m changed by God through GLS teachings. This year, I came back to the GLS with excitement to love and feel more of God’s love through His powerful teachings. – Dao Van Tam, president of Detech, Vietnam

 

Thank you for pray for and supporting the growth of the GLS in Vietnam!

To learn more about how the GLS came to be in Vietnam, watch this video.

GLS Impact | Leaders of Hope in Vietnam (Part 4 of 7)

Posted on January 27, 2017 by - Asia, Stories

Most people are surprised to find out that an event like the Global Leadership Summit is growing in places like Vietnam — a country some people consider a godless nation.

But what we’ve seen in the relatively small community of Christians in Vietnam, are growing passionate churches, hungry to bring the Gospel to their communities.

Through the GLS and the support of generous donors, thousands of Christians are being trained and equipped in their leadership in Vietnam.

In light of Vietnam’s New Year celebration this week, we’ve been sharing testimonies of leaders from all over Vietnam who attended the GLS last month, many of them moved to do extraordinary things because of the encouragement they received.

I accepted Jesus Christ in Malaysia in 2013 while I was studying there. However, after that my father had a stroke, so I returned home, and I lost my life’s direction. I felt like I was very far from God.  I was suffering, and I felt like I lost my dream. I felt shame when I came back to God. It was very hard for me to read the Bible. It was very hard for me to understand and listen to God’s voice.

A few days before this GLS conference started, one of my friends shared the event with me on Facebook. I decided to see what it was all about, and rode my motorbike to join this event. One of the most important things I learned at the GLS is that God has different plans for each individual. A real leader needs to learn to serve for God’s purpose. We always need to put God first. To apply this to my life, I need to follow His plan and ask Him to lead me.

When one of the speakers talked about what is most important in our life, I realized my life is from God and I need to put Him first. I felt full of energy for my life. I am ready to let Him lead my life from now on. I wouldn’t have realized this without God’s words through this GLS event. My life has been saved. Thanks to God for His amazing plan to bring me here to listen to these wonderful lessons through the GLS. – Khuyen

My spirit and my thoughts are renewed by God’s teachings through the great speakers at the GLS. I feel blessed by the idea, ‘Love never fails.’ To be honest, many times, I have faced obstacles and wanted to quit and give up on my work, and even my life. But God has brought me to each GLS teaching, waking me up, and encouraging me to move on. His love saved my life. I would love to save many other lives by implementing His words to my life and my work.  – Nguyen Thi Xuan Ha, non-profit leader, Vietnam

 

I am so encouraged to be here [at the GLS] today to watch these lessons. It is a great way to help upgrade my spiritual life. Through the GLS, God has given me courage, strength and motivation to do his work in my church. Even though this is a conference, it breathes the fire of the Holy Spirit that burns in my soul and spirit. I realized that God can use small things or great things to benefit the body of Christ. The GLS is a turning point—the beginning of something better after a burdensome and weary life. I am so happy to have this opportunity to come here today. Praise God! – Tran So, church leader, Vietnam

When I heard about the GLS, I thought it was like any other conference. But I did not realize how many valuable teachings would be offered, many of which I had never even thought of. From the teaching of Liz Wiseman, I realized that sometimes  we need to stop and learn from younger people to improve our skills. I would like to change the old principles that do not work any more.

The GLS challenged me. In the past, people asked me to be a leader, but I would say no because I thought I needed to learn more, so I did not dare take leadership positions. But at the GLS, I had an “aha” moment. These teachings revived my soul, opened me up and urged me to serve God as a leader!

Thank God for providing me with the blessing of these teachings. I am very touched. I think God put me here for the purpose of encouraging me to step up to be a real leader! Hallelujah! Thanks for touching my heart and calling me to do some valuable leadership work. – Le Thuong Kiet

Thank you for pray for and supporting the growth of the GLS in Vietnam!

To learn more about how the GLS came to be in Vietnam, watch this video.