The Manila Diaries
The World is shrinking – Culture is
important.
19 December 2012
84 degrees Fahrenheit, Partly cloudy,
Humidity 75%
As we wind down the year, I
reflect on what seems to have been an eventful time. I began the year living and working in London
and am finishing the year living and working in Manila. I have been here for 7 months now. How quickly events come to pass.
I thought I would reflect on my
last 2 months which have been the most interesting for me from a work /
business point of view.
I joined the main faculty of the
Asian Institute of Management on 1st October, 2012 and am still
finding my way around being part of a new organization and their way of working. Some of the highlights for me have been:
·
Realising and
experiencing the true meaning and effect of culture on business and everyday
life through total immersion. Hofstede’s
work on cultural dimensions is proving invaluable as a Brit, living in the
Philippines and delivering programs across a variety of Asian countries.
·
Delivering ‘People
Development’ modules on AIM’s MBA program and appreciating at first-hand the
differences that exist between Western and Eastern values.
·
To have had
an opportunity to travel to India to be part of a team working with a large US
owned financial company that has operations there and to be struck by the
enthusiasm and passion for learning shown by all the participants.
·
To be
invited to be part of a group at AIM whose objective is to research and develop
leadership concepts and frameworks that are specifically relevant for leaders
and managers in Asia.
·
To be
collaborating with an AIM colleague on a research paper that is looking at
personality and social media connections and to have had that paper accepted for
presentation at a conference in Japan early next year.
I continue to support the UK
Operations of Level Seven where appropriate, particularly around our innovation
diagnostic framework (the LID™) and to look for consultancy opportunities for
Level Seven here in Asia. Partnerships,
connections and collaboration seem to be at the heart of doing business here,
of course, not that different from doing business in the UK except a cultural
lens needs to be applied!
With good wishes to all for success
and lasting friendships in the coming year.
Maligayang Pasko Po!
Signing off for now.
Our correspondent in Manila
