Procurement in Middle East

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.