Reflections as a coach: Communication Challenges of Leading in Asia
With 18 years of experience coaching in Asia, I’ve worked with a diverse range of clients from a diverse range of industries. This has included both Asian leaders and expatriates leaders navigating the complexities of communication in their roles within Asia.
While each client’s challenges, and the solutions they need to move forward, are unique to them, I’ve come across some recurring themes with the clients I’ve worked with in Asia.
Many of the Asian leaders I work with are part of multinational organisations, striving to enhance their ability to collaborate effectively with teams from Europe or North America. This means they are working with overseas teams who have entirely different communication preferences. Often this can be that others are more direct and Asian leaders find it challenging to respond to that directness, and to take on a more direct approach to communicating themselves. Our work together has involved them developing a more direct approach and being able to deliver clear and concise messages to their colleagues overseas.
On the flip side, I also work with non-Asian leaders who are adjusting to leading teams in Asia. It may be their first assignment in Asia and they are adjusting to living and working in an entirely different culture and it can be challenging to understand and integrate into local cultural practices.
I’ve seen leaders who have not realised the importance of relationship building within Asia. They arrive and simply announce an open door policy inviting anyone to give them feedback anytime. Yet, in many Asian cultures, communication is deeply relational. Leaders who succeed are those who build trust by listening and asking thoughtful questions rather than demanding immediate answers.
Each individual I work with is on a unique journey, shaped by their cultural background, professional experiences, and personal motivations. Whether they are assimilating into a new culture, collaborating with a virtual team across borders, or navigating the challenges of their own cultural environment, their experiences are deeply personal and distinct.
While I recognize common patterns in the challenges my clients face, I don’t prescribe one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, our coaching sessions are explorative journeys where we delve into their specific situations, uncovering insights that resonate with their unique context. Together, we navigate the complexities of communication, helping them harness their strengths and cultivate new skills that enable them to thrive in their roles.
If you’re looking to develop your ability to successfully navigate the intricate landscape of communication and leadership in Asia, I’d love to have a conversation with you.
