Lessons from India

We are constantly learning and there is always opportunity for development, regardless of where you are in your career journey. As a number of you know, I recently spent 18 months working and living in India. The above statement could not be truer for me, with this period abroad, the most defining of my 30 year career so far. I thought I would share some of my personal lessons from this time.

When asked to take on a 6 month role based in Mumbai, my first thought was, no way am I going to live in a country that I knew nothing about. I was also concerned about what role might I miss out on if I left Australia. On deeper reflection and given the point I was at in my career, I thought why not? So with some trepidation, I was on my way.

Fast forward 2 extension periods of the role and 18 months later, I returned to Australia. Energised and excited about what my next role might be, I felt a little sad my time in India had come to an end. Other than underestimating a beautiful and complex country, what were my big lessons?

1. Find that objective position

Being objective does not mean you don't care nor develop attachment to the business or its people. It means the ability to know when to step back and view the situation without emotion or personal bias. Because I have always cared deeply about the business I work in and the people around me, I had often found it a challenge to take a pure objective position. Knowing this was a short term role made it easier. Heading in with this mindset, I discovered I was able to make stronger strategic decisions quickly. As I built relationships, I also realised that you can be both objective and really connect and care. It is just finding those triggers to ensure you know when to step back and take that strategic view. This is a valuable skill I have taken away.

2. Understand and adapt your communication style When I am passionate about something I tend to talk fast. A significant part of my role was presenting to large groups of our staff in various corners of the country. After my first presentation I could tell I was not connecting with the audience. Feedback from the HR team was the staff could not really understand me as I was talking too fast and my Australian accent was a bit hard to understand. When I arrived I had only really thought about the difficulty I would have in understanding some of the stronger local dialect. I had not even considered that they would have the same challenge! With that I found ways to slow myself down. I became mindful of how I would use context and position the message, in a way that would resonate with the team, including my use of body language. An important part of preparation for any presentation now is really focusing on who is my audience and how do I make sure I connect and deliver the message in the right way.

3. Teach rather than Tell When I first arrived I wondered how I could make an impact. There was only so many business outcomes that could be achieved in a short period. I decided the most important thing I could do was help build the skills of the senior team, leaving them with tools to continue well after I had left the business. With the extended period we were able to achieve a number of business outcomes, however I am most proud of the difference I know I made to a number of individuals. As leaders, teaching, empowering and guiding, are some of the most important things we do. I am now so much more focused on this.

Whether you are lucky enough to have an opportunity to work overseas or have a brand new role you are about to start, prepare yourself for a different environment. These were my personal lessons learnt, however more broadly, some important takeaways for all below.

• Just because something has worked for you a certain way in the past, it does not mean the same way will work in a different environment. Understand what is in front of you and what might be needed from you in a different way. There is a great case study on Ron Johnson and his move from Apple to J C Penny on this topic.
  

• Understand the business and its culture as a priority. How do you need to adapt rather than the business and its people just adapting to you. Each business and its culture are unique.
  

• The fundamentals of Leadership do not change. Teach, empower and create an environment for people to thrive.
  

• Do not make assumptions based on face value. You can apply this to most anything.

Until next time Lisa

I took this photo in Udaipur, Rajasthan. One of my favorite places in India