Over the last few days, I have witnessed something that I don't see much in the U.S. There have been a number of women - either pregnant or with child- on public transportation who do not have to wait long for a seat because when men see these women, they practically break their necks to get up to give the woman his seat.
On the metro, I noticed a pregnant woman before the man next to me did. I got up to give her my seat (and because I was getting off at the next stop) he practically pulled me down into his seat because he was so embarrassed that he didn't see her first. And so, while yes, Spain is still very much a "macho" country- there are some definite benefits to that machissimo!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Culture... the ongoing lessons
Cultural differences in international business are some of the trickiest things to navigate. Today, I had two separate incidents that highlighted differences in the culture.
1. La Senora with whom I've been staying went out (I assume to grocery shop as they do it practically every day). After about a half an hour, I heard the doorbell ringing. I then heard the doorbell of all the neighbors ringing. Another 30 minutes or so goes by before the lady of the house was able to get someone to let her in. Apparently, her key (which has an electronic code) stopped working. She asked me why I didn't open the door when I heard the bell. I didn't open the door because:
a. I would never open the door at someone else's house
b. I thought it was a peddler going door to door.
I think my reaction was fairly typical to what most Americans would do. We tend to want to keep to ourselves and not get involved. When I realized what I had not done, I felt terrible. I tried to explain that on Saturdays especially in the U.S. is the day for peddlers to go door to door. She said in Spain there is no such thing. Ok, so now I know.
2. I was at the store waiting to be helped. I stood at the cashier for what seemed to be an eternity. He didn't so much look up for get about acknowledge me. He was working on something else but my expectation was that he would have at least said "I'll be with you in a minute". I guess he figured I knew that.
One thing that seems to always be a challenge for Americans going abroad is our expectation of customer service. We need to remember that the type of customer service may be different. Case in point, after the gentleman directed me to another part of their store, I found a salesclerk who was more than helpful and was chatting me about a variety of things. I think it was because I had asked for something very specific to the Spanish culture and he was delighted that I had taken an interest in this.
1. La Senora with whom I've been staying went out (I assume to grocery shop as they do it practically every day). After about a half an hour, I heard the doorbell ringing. I then heard the doorbell of all the neighbors ringing. Another 30 minutes or so goes by before the lady of the house was able to get someone to let her in. Apparently, her key (which has an electronic code) stopped working. She asked me why I didn't open the door when I heard the bell. I didn't open the door because:
a. I would never open the door at someone else's house
b. I thought it was a peddler going door to door.
I think my reaction was fairly typical to what most Americans would do. We tend to want to keep to ourselves and not get involved. When I realized what I had not done, I felt terrible. I tried to explain that on Saturdays especially in the U.S. is the day for peddlers to go door to door. She said in Spain there is no such thing. Ok, so now I know.
2. I was at the store waiting to be helped. I stood at the cashier for what seemed to be an eternity. He didn't so much look up for get about acknowledge me. He was working on something else but my expectation was that he would have at least said "I'll be with you in a minute". I guess he figured I knew that.
One thing that seems to always be a challenge for Americans going abroad is our expectation of customer service. We need to remember that the type of customer service may be different. Case in point, after the gentleman directed me to another part of their store, I found a salesclerk who was more than helpful and was chatting me about a variety of things. I think it was because I had asked for something very specific to the Spanish culture and he was delighted that I had taken an interest in this.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The joy of getting lost...
Today, I got lost- accidentally on purpose! I started off with a definite destination and then when I arrived at my destination I started to wander with no particular goal in mind. I figured I would encounter a metro stop sooner or later and would hop on an get to a familiar place. When I didn't find a Metro stop for at least a half an hour, I didn't panic as I had cash and a credit card what else would I need? Certainly a taxi would be able to take me wherever I needed to go.
I did find a Metro stop eventually and in the process located a very nice park and a museum that I had never been to. In addition, I wandered into a store and found a very pretty dress. All because I decided to take the circuitous route to my destination.
The bottom line for international business- if you have an outline of where you want to be- you need to be able to have the flexibility to deviate from the best laid plans as you were surely have a curve ball thrown at you. Be prepared, be confident, have your "safety" card and go with the flow trusting it will all come together.
I did find a Metro stop eventually and in the process located a very nice park and a museum that I had never been to. In addition, I wandered into a store and found a very pretty dress. All because I decided to take the circuitous route to my destination.
The bottom line for international business- if you have an outline of where you want to be- you need to be able to have the flexibility to deviate from the best laid plans as you were surely have a curve ball thrown at you. Be prepared, be confident, have your "safety" card and go with the flow trusting it will all come together.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Absolutes...
In Global Business, we talk about "cultural imperatives" (must dos) in order to make good business. For example, you may have to bow to your host, present your business card a certain way or a variety of other things.
Yesterday, I came up with a few 'absolutes' of my own. They are as follows:
1. The U.S. Embassy is always in the "toniest" part of town. If you're looking for highline shopping, you'll find it near the embassy.
2. In addition to being situated in the best part of town, it always looks very industrial as opposed to other more "quaint" embassies that do not have to have the level of security required for the U.S.
3. While the U.S. is always the one to be criticized, there is always a line of people waiting to get documentation to come to the U.S. At the French embassy down the street, there is no one in line!
4. Getting lost in a city can have major benefits- yesterday I found a number of interesting sites because I took a wrong turn. They key is to remember to have the address you need to go to on you at all times and then simply jump in a cab when you're done being lost.
Takeaways from yesterday- when traveling abroad be prepared to go with the flow and it will turn out ok.
Yesterday, I came up with a few 'absolutes' of my own. They are as follows:
1. The U.S. Embassy is always in the "toniest" part of town. If you're looking for highline shopping, you'll find it near the embassy.
2. In addition to being situated in the best part of town, it always looks very industrial as opposed to other more "quaint" embassies that do not have to have the level of security required for the U.S.
3. While the U.S. is always the one to be criticized, there is always a line of people waiting to get documentation to come to the U.S. At the French embassy down the street, there is no one in line!
4. Getting lost in a city can have major benefits- yesterday I found a number of interesting sites because I took a wrong turn. They key is to remember to have the address you need to go to on you at all times and then simply jump in a cab when you're done being lost.
Takeaways from yesterday- when traveling abroad be prepared to go with the flow and it will turn out ok.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Packing the patience!!
After a very long travel day, I´ve made it to my destination albeit without my luggage and currently don´t know when my host will be home to greet me!
Yesterday, after a 4 hour delay out of Chicago, I barely got to Miami for a delayed flight. The reasons for the delays were many- mechanical, the president in miami and nature apparently there is a volcano or something erupting in South America creating a mess in Florida- if this doesn´t show what a globally connected world we´re in I don´t know what does. The bottom line is while we can do our best to be prepared ultimately we have to go with the flow. This is true with the journey as well as the negotiations- in the end the only thing we can do is be as prepared as we can be and then roll with the changes.
There were some positive outcomes of all the commotion yesterday. I had the opportunity to meet new people who readily shared with me suggestions on where to go to the best beaches while I´m here. Their recommendation has helped me to make a decision that I feel comfortable with.
Yesterday, after a 4 hour delay out of Chicago, I barely got to Miami for a delayed flight. The reasons for the delays were many- mechanical, the president in miami and nature apparently there is a volcano or something erupting in South America creating a mess in Florida- if this doesn´t show what a globally connected world we´re in I don´t know what does. The bottom line is while we can do our best to be prepared ultimately we have to go with the flow. This is true with the journey as well as the negotiations- in the end the only thing we can do is be as prepared as we can be and then roll with the changes.
There were some positive outcomes of all the commotion yesterday. I had the opportunity to meet new people who readily shared with me suggestions on where to go to the best beaches while I´m here. Their recommendation has helped me to make a decision that I feel comfortable with.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Spain the Spanish way!
As I prepare for my trip to Spain tomorrow, I have a "novel" idea....why not do Spain as the Spanish would do it. So, that's what I'm going to do- "no pasa nada" - I'm going to be open to the different possibilities, have dinner after 10 and enjoy the commotion on the streets!
Speaking of "commotion on the streets", I'm curious to see if the protests about the current state of the economy will continue. Currently, unemployment is extremely high especially among the younger crowd. I've read statistics that the unemployment rate for this group ranges in the 40% range! I hope to be able to talk to some of these people to get more information.
Speaking of "commotion on the streets", I'm curious to see if the protests about the current state of the economy will continue. Currently, unemployment is extremely high especially among the younger crowd. I've read statistics that the unemployment rate for this group ranges in the 40% range! I hope to be able to talk to some of these people to get more information.
Friday, January 7, 2011
On the streets of Guanajuato
One thing I love about traveling abroad is having the opportunity to observe people doing their daily activities. I like to compare customs and traditions from one place to another. Mexico has no shortage of interesting activities.
1. On Monday, I woke up to a strange sound of a man shouting something. At first, it seemed to be in stereo with the rooster crowing but then it continued. After awhile I was able to make out what I thought he was saying "gus". I thought perhaps he lost his dog and was looking for it. However, this continued on Tuesday and Wednesday. Finally, I had to ask why the man was calling for his dog every day. My host mom explained that he was selling "gas" on the streets. Oh, never thought of that!! I wonder what the guy that I think is selling "frijoles" is really saying!!
2. There was a man standing outside of a church imploring the world to end the war on terror. True enough, this is a common thing around the world. The thing that gave me a chuckle was he was doing it with a White Sox sweatshirt on. It is a small world after all.
3. This morning when I was running I noticed a man took off his hat as I approached. I was impressed with the chivalry until I realized it was because we were in front of a church. He took off his hat and blessed himself. This is not an uncommon thing in Mexico.
4. Speaking of churches, churches are left wide open all day everyday. In a country that is supposed to be "wild" no one worries about someone stealing from the church like we do in the U.S. Last month, I had to collect the Christmas gifts from the Giving Tree and had to leave my name, rank and serial number- and they know me!!
1. On Monday, I woke up to a strange sound of a man shouting something. At first, it seemed to be in stereo with the rooster crowing but then it continued. After awhile I was able to make out what I thought he was saying "gus". I thought perhaps he lost his dog and was looking for it. However, this continued on Tuesday and Wednesday. Finally, I had to ask why the man was calling for his dog every day. My host mom explained that he was selling "gas" on the streets. Oh, never thought of that!! I wonder what the guy that I think is selling "frijoles" is really saying!!
2. There was a man standing outside of a church imploring the world to end the war on terror. True enough, this is a common thing around the world. The thing that gave me a chuckle was he was doing it with a White Sox sweatshirt on. It is a small world after all.
3. This morning when I was running I noticed a man took off his hat as I approached. I was impressed with the chivalry until I realized it was because we were in front of a church. He took off his hat and blessed himself. This is not an uncommon thing in Mexico.
4. Speaking of churches, churches are left wide open all day everyday. In a country that is supposed to be "wild" no one worries about someone stealing from the church like we do in the U.S. Last month, I had to collect the Christmas gifts from the Giving Tree and had to leave my name, rank and serial number- and they know me!!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Nosy or just curious
I have spent the last few days talking- ad nauseam- about the differences (and few similarities) between doing business in Mexico and the U.S. The list includes:
- Art of negotiation
- Use of time
- Compromises
- Focus
- Amount of delegation
- Hours of business
- Giving of gifts
- Relations boss/employee, employee/employee.
None of the information that I received this trip was really a surprise. However, I've learned that there is a difference between "knowing" something and experiencing it!
A few days ago while working with my dance instructor, he started with 20 questions. He wanted to know who I was. So, I gave him the usual overview- I'm a college professor teaching business with a focus on global business. I love my job blah blah blah. This was not enough for him. He wanted to know the following:
1. Was I married
2. Did I have kids
3. Did I want kids
4. Could I have kids
5. Would I adopt
6. How old I was
And on and on and on. It was one question after another. Things that we would never ask a person we did not know however he seemed to have no problem asking.
My immediate reaction was "it's none of your business" but then I realized that he was just trying to get to know me as his client. He wanted to know who I really was. I know that this may be strange for most Americans but most people in the world want to really know who they are dealing with beyond the simple things.
I was glad that I got to experience the litany of questions as it now helps me to explain what someone may experience when trying to do business in Mexico.
- Art of negotiation
- Use of time
- Compromises
- Focus
- Amount of delegation
- Hours of business
- Giving of gifts
- Relations boss/employee, employee/employee.
None of the information that I received this trip was really a surprise. However, I've learned that there is a difference between "knowing" something and experiencing it!
A few days ago while working with my dance instructor, he started with 20 questions. He wanted to know who I was. So, I gave him the usual overview- I'm a college professor teaching business with a focus on global business. I love my job blah blah blah. This was not enough for him. He wanted to know the following:
1. Was I married
2. Did I have kids
3. Did I want kids
4. Could I have kids
5. Would I adopt
6. How old I was
And on and on and on. It was one question after another. Things that we would never ask a person we did not know however he seemed to have no problem asking.
My immediate reaction was "it's none of your business" but then I realized that he was just trying to get to know me as his client. He wanted to know who I really was. I know that this may be strange for most Americans but most people in the world want to really know who they are dealing with beyond the simple things.
I was glad that I got to experience the litany of questions as it now helps me to explain what someone may experience when trying to do business in Mexico.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
"Inside edge"
My whole body aches! No, it is not because I've had too much tequila. I've been in school(s) all day every day.
I am in Mexico working on perfecting my Spanish and Salsa. Today, after three days of intense classes I have to ask myself "why?". Why do I care about being able to speak perfectly in a tense that is so foreign to most English speakers? If I were to talk to most Spanish speakers, they would understand me perfectly well. Why do I have I been working on a move that is so awkward for my body that many times I literally trip. Being able to smile sweetly while making turn after turn? Does it matter?
For me, it does. It goes beyond being a perfectionist to something more especially in international business. For months now, I have been told to "perfect the Cuban motion" that I have to use the "inside edge of my foot". It dawned on me that this is the case for international business as well. What I'm trying to accomplish here is something that will give me the inside edge. Something that will allow me to be that much more confident in dealing with international business. Nowadays, one only needs a computer and an Internet connection to "make business" internationally. So, what is it that you will do to give yourself the "inside edge"?
I am in Mexico working on perfecting my Spanish and Salsa. Today, after three days of intense classes I have to ask myself "why?". Why do I care about being able to speak perfectly in a tense that is so foreign to most English speakers? If I were to talk to most Spanish speakers, they would understand me perfectly well. Why do I have I been working on a move that is so awkward for my body that many times I literally trip. Being able to smile sweetly while making turn after turn? Does it matter?
For me, it does. It goes beyond being a perfectionist to something more especially in international business. For months now, I have been told to "perfect the Cuban motion" that I have to use the "inside edge of my foot". It dawned on me that this is the case for international business as well. What I'm trying to accomplish here is something that will give me the inside edge. Something that will allow me to be that much more confident in dealing with international business. Nowadays, one only needs a computer and an Internet connection to "make business" internationally. So, what is it that you will do to give yourself the "inside edge"?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Sense of adventure...
So, anyone who knows me at all knows that I'm not very adventurous when it comes to food. My feeling is "I know what I like and that is it". I knew when I told my host mom that I would eat anything that I would probably be in trouble. Well, sure enough- last night I was served salmon and shrimp with a nice side of pasta. Now, for many, that would be a dream come true. For me, I was in a panic. I don't eat fish- ever! I decided that I didn't want to look stupid so I scarfed down the fish while it was hot and had a wine chaser! I have to say that it was actually pretty good.
Perhaps the lesson learned here is that sometimes you have to go out of the country to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Perhaps the lesson learned here is that sometimes you have to go out of the country to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Que suerte!
As expected, my faith in my tutor was completely valid. The homestay is nothing like Italy- gracias a Dios. In fact, the woman is a gourmet chef. I was spoiled with a 4 course meal this morning. She then grabbed a bunch of homemade bread, wrapped it up and proceeded to give it to a homeless man who approached her with a flower and my instructors. This is what I love about staying with people. You do get to meet some amazing people.
The "horario" today is full. I will be working on perfecting the subjunctive and my Cuban motion. Neither one come naturally to a woman of Irish/Polish decent! My attitude is that it doesn't matter if I'm able to speak perfectly in the subjunctive as long as I can communicate. I think that this is a great lesson for international business. No one expects perfection however they appreciate the effort.
The "horario" today is full. I will be working on perfecting the subjunctive and my Cuban motion. Neither one come naturally to a woman of Irish/Polish decent! My attitude is that it doesn't matter if I'm able to speak perfectly in the subjunctive as long as I can communicate. I think that this is a great lesson for international business. No one expects perfection however they appreciate the effort.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Trust- a key component in international business
Although I'm no novice to study-abroad language trips, this trip should be different on many levels. I will be the guest of my Spanish tutor who will make sure (hopefully) that I do not have a repeat of Italy! At this point, I have no idea with whom I'm staying but I'm confident that it will be a better experience than I had last summer.
As I've mentioned on several occasions throughout my travels, there is no better way to do international business than to do it with a trusted business partner. Trust, in all relationships, takes time and it is no different in international negotiations. In fact, it takes more time and patience and flexibility. I'm hopeful that this trip will continue to build cross-cultural collaboration opportunities that will benefit not only me but my future students as well.
In addition, as mentioned before, I have already been to this particular city so I know what to expect. I believe that this too is another key for success in international business. Many times people think "one and done" in terms of international trips. Sadly, in most cases, this is a waste of time as most cultures are not open to outsiders and require the extra time to get to know their business partner.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)