The Cultural Synergist - Understanding the Indonesian Landscape

I will begin by saying that this is a great book for both men and women. Cheryl challenges the myths of the 24-hour woman, providing an analysis of the changes to women’s lives in a professional and personal context. She argues that our highly mobile lives require us to squeeze as much out of each day as is humanly possible, that ‘managing it all doesn’t mean having it all.’

The premise of the book is that we all have 24 hours in our day, how do we choose what to do with them - do we focus on what is in front of us or do we look beyond the now? How do we adapt and evolve with resilience on own terms?

Each chapter includes strategies, tactics and stories to support the reader in creating a roadmap. The book is peppered with case studies and some great stories of the struggles and successes of other women from around the globe.

RECOMMENDED BOOK:
"The 24 Hour Woman: How High-Achieving, Stressed Women Manage It All and Still Find Happiness" By Cheryl Liew-Chng 2015

If you are having trouble viewing this email, please click here.

THE CULTURAL SYNERGIST

ISSUE 49

August
2015

&nnbsp;		I delivered a program in Jakarta last month. As I was sitting in a taxi in Jakarta's gridlocked streets, I had the time to have a good look around and observe life on the streets - a welcome change from a hotel and conference room view. While I've had many trips to Jakarta, I'm always in awe of the constant throng of people and the seemingly limitless infrastructure developments. I recently read that Jakarta has approximately ten million residents, with almost 14,000 people per square kilometre, making it one of the most densely populated cities in Asia. Construction is booming, development of a new MRT system and toll roads are just some of the projects I observed currently underway in a bid to support the ever expanding urban population. The city is in an unprecedented period of growth. It is the fourth most populous country in the world. With a median age of 29 years, 60% of the population under the age of 39, there is a growing affluent middle class, coupled with rapid economic growth, Jakarta is a city on the move. Like all emerging economies there are a myriad of opportunities and challenges in Indonesia. The challenge though is having the appropriate business model for market entry into emerging economies such as Indonesia. These markets tend to be vastly different from the home market. Having a deep understanding of a country's norms, beliefs and values is paramount to sustainable success. A country such as Indonesia is socio-economically diverse and comprises of more than just one culture, there are differences and similarities between Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi, though they are all in Indonesia. Organisations need to know how to obtain the essential information quickly and effectively and then have the ability to translate this into their business models. A fundamental cultural trait of Indonesia is the importance of building strong relationships of trust. Friendship and flexibility are essential; who you know is critical. Here are some quick tips for establishing and nurturing deeper relationships when working in Indonesia. To demonstrate your level of seriousness in developing relationships, organise appointments outside of the usual business hours i.e. lunches or dinners. Try to avoid speaking about business during these times as the purpose is to become more familiar with the individual and to improve your understanding of their values, attitudes and beliefs. This will help you to also understand how they make decisions, negotiate and communicate. Expect and allow for much more time for meetings, they will be longer than you are probably used to in the West. Don't try to hurry processes along either - you will likely be perceived as disrespectful. It is important for Indonesians to know the status of the person whom they are speaking with i.e. who is their superior, inferior or equal. They may ask questions that maybe perceived as personal in their attempt to understand your status, so help them along because the conversation will flow a lot easier when they have this information. Some good conversation starter topics to begin these relationships are family, food, travel, education or even the success of your organisation. Face to face time demonstrates your continued interest and commitment to the relationship. Don't rely on establishing relationships from within a virtual environment, or just one or two quick fly in visits. Please click here if you would like to read or follow our Cultural Intelligence Blog Best Wishes Tom Verghese Send to Friend
	Understanding the Indonesian Landscape


	RESOURCES 'Raising Your Cultural IQ - DVD and CD 'Raising Your Cultural IQ' explores the issues around culture, the challenges that culture can pose and provides some great strategies on how to leverage on cultural differences and similarities. 'The Invisible Elephant - Exploring Cultural Awareness' 2nd Edition by Tom Verghese Many aspects of culture are invisible, yet culture has an enormous impact on our lives. Like an Invisible Elephant, if ignored these aspects can lead to misunderstanding, stress and conflict. Alternatively, if attention is given to the Invisible Elephant, it can enhance productivity, improve teamwork and create more joy in our lives. Book testimonial by Asma Ghabshi Learning And Development Manager, Shell Oman: "The Invisible Elephant made my perspective of my national culture in comparison to my personal culture more visible. It has given me a deep insight into dealing with people of different cultural backgrounds." 'Pillars of Growth - Strategies for Leading Sustainable Growth' - Book by Tom Verghese, Kerry Larkan, Steven Howard and Brad Tonini Written with the business leaders and entrepreneurs of Asia in mind, 'Pillars of Growth' provides a road map to assist you in thinking through four critical concerns that impact the sustainable growth of every business. Visit our store here

ABOUT CULTURAL SYNERGIES

Cultural Synergies' mission is to improve individual and organisational performance when interacting with people across distance, culture and time.

Take advantage of our years of international experience. All our services are tailored to individual client situations.

Visit our website www.culturalsynergies.com
for more information.
Phone: +61 3 9909 7456
Mobile: +61 (0) 419 999 292
Fax: +61 3 9909 7457
Email: enquiries@culturalsynergies.com

PRIVACY POLICY

You are receiving this email from Cultural Synergies because we have met and we hope that you find this newsletter useful. To ensure that you continue to receive emails from us, please add my email address to your address book today.

Cultural Synergies respects your right to privacy. We never share, rent, or sell your name or email to anyone else. Your privacy is safe with us.