Stepping out of the comfort zone is never easy especially
when it is for work and not leisure. The last place on Earth that I could ever
imagine myself going to, given the fact that my perspiration rate increases
exponentially with temperature was the Middle East. But as they say, if
opportunities come, grab it first and think about how to do it later… Despite
all the bitching and moaning, my overseas posting as procurement manager has
provided me with a totally new perspective on procurement.
Below are some of my
takeaways about working overseas:
1. Understand the
culture. Different cultures have different ways of doing business –
delicacy for one might be crap for the others. Borrowing the Lonely Planet or other books are useless;
getting your hands dirty will - Join a local community/ interest group and
make friends: Be it the gym, diving, golf etc Find and join a local
interest group. Given that relationships are extremely vital for success in the
Middle East, knowing more people especially where locals hold key appointments
in the government agencies will benefit your work and negotiation power.
2. Don’t assume and
be sensitive. What works in your country usually does not or will not work
in other countries. Short skirts and tank tops are definitely a “No-go” in
Muslim countries. Breaking some rules
promotes creativity, others start a war. (I was asked to leave the mall
wearing berms that were above the knees). Do not assume that punctuality or
sticking to datelines is a universal truth in the Middle East – set your
expectations and buffer in the contingencies.
3. Be Flexible. Systems, procedures, efficiency,
productivity are just examples of words that do not exist in the dictionary of
other countries. Months to get your Resident permit, conflicting rules and
regulations e.g traffic police of different branches have different rules, authorities
that are filled with endless red tapes and ambiguous procedures are some of the
problems that one will find working in other places. Therefore, the rule of survival
is to always be flexible to work around things to achieve the objectives while
not breaking rule no. 2.