Lessons from Expatriate Life: 6 Essential Qualities for Global Leaders

Today, for the first time in a while, I would like to write about the requirements for a global leader.

There are, of course, minimum requirements one must acquire, such as business administration, logical thinking, cross-cultural communication skills, and English proficiency.

However, this time, I would like to touch upon the "strengths truly required of a global leader" that lie beyond those basics.

I spent 10 years as an expatriate in Singapore, serving as CEO of our Southeast Asian headquarters.
My industry was "human resource development" and "leadership development." While interacting with numerous leaders in that field, I noticed the common traits of people who achieve results globally.

I will organize them into six points.

I believe these points apply not only to expatriates but also to anyone who wants to demonstrate leadership overseas.

1. People who recognize their own strengths and utilize them thoroughly

A "strength" refers to a way of contributing that only you can provide.
To accomplish something, you can only do it through your strengths. You cannot accomplish it through your weaknesses.

Rather than being able to do everything at an average level, those who possess outstanding strengths and polish themare the ones who are trusted and relied upon.

2. People who do not seek consensus and can survive amidst dissent

Overseas, it is necessary to boldly push forward with new things.

When you are doing something new, it is rare to receive agreement or approval.
If you only do things that those around you agree (conform) with, you will rarely make progress.

It is important to accept an environment where few people agree with you as a given, and be able to survive even in such circumstances.

3. People who do not cling to past success and can repurpose their skills

Bringing past success experiences directly into a new situation often seems like a shortcut but frequently turns out to be a detour.

We tend to want to apply our own experiences directly, but it is important to understand that experience and skills are different things, and instead of repurposing experience, try repurposing your skills.

4. People who can dive into unknown territory without hesitation

Things you have never experienced before often involve unknown outcomes and are frequently very different from the environments and working conditions you are used to. In fact, it is highly likely that the conditions and environment will be even more demanding.

That is precisely why, rather than waiting for "the right conditions," those who can take on challenges without hesitation are the ones who can succeed anywhere.

5. People who can find ways to turn disadvantages into advantages

People inevitably compare things to the past. Therefore, when placed in a new environment, they tend to focus on "what is missing."

However, rather than lamenting the disadvantages of the conditions or environment, those who devise ways to turn even disadvantages into advantages are strong.

6. People who can forge their own path

Building on points 1 through 5 above, what is ultimately necessary is the ability to carve out your own path.

Even if the road is steep, acknowledge every bit of progress made, and even if you fall back, do not stop walking and keep continuing.

Those who can immerse themselves in that process find great joy in their work.

Conclusion

There are common threads in the profile of leaders who succeed globally.
They are: acting based on strengths, moving forward amidst dissent, not clinging to success, challenging the unknown, turning disadvantages into advantages, and carving out your own path.

I hope that the number of colleagues succeeding overseas will continue to grow.