Working GlobeSmart: 12 People Skills for Doing Business Across Borders

This basic, solid book on global business takes nothing for granted. Author Ernest Gundling teaches by example and illustration, and has something approaching a horror of direct statement. At the end of each chapter, where a bolder writer might insert points to remember, he provides, instead, lists of questions to consider. This book will tell you the skills you need and will make you very aware of your deficits, but it will not tell you precisely how to develop those skills. Gundling does provide a wealth of little, fictitious anecdotes about people who have done the right or wrong thing in global business. In a refreshingly humble approach, he sometimes uses his own blunders as examples of what not to do. We recommend his book, which brings to mind that Socrates was judged the wisest of men because he knew he knew nothing. Readers will come a few steps closer to such Socratic enlightenment. What you may not know about conducting yourself in international business would fill a book - this one.

This book clarifies common pitfalls in interacting with foreign counterparts and offers solutions structured around twelve people skills: establishing credibility; giving and receiving feedback; obtaining information; evaluating people; building global teamwork; training and development; selling; negotiating; strategic planning; transferring knowledge; innovating; and managing change. The book is based on inputs from experienced country and regional experts. It includes numerous examples, charts, tables and appendixes, as well as chapter summaries and review questions. A top-notch book, bountiful in substance, it will help you build bridges over cultural divides.

Working Globe Smart is the first book I have read where cross cultural principles are pragmatically integrated into organizational and leadership development frameworks. The context is accessible, well organized and engaging. I highly recommend this book to the global OD practitioner.