Topics learnt on 9/18/2010

The day was packed with group activities and the class was lively through out the morning and afternoon sessions.

The morning session began with a case analysis--a newly appointed supervisor trying to impose a system in all the divisions. He goes to Panama to meet the head of the Panama division (Carlos) to discuss the issues, but is shocked to look at the nonchalance of Carlos in discussing the issues in hand. We were asked to list out the cues, interpretations, hypothesis, and actions that the new supervisor should take in tackling this rather unpleasant situation. The discussion essentially brought to the fore all the subtle cultural aspects that one should pay due attention to in Corporate meetings. We all agreed that the supervisor should have done some homework and should in fact seek the help of someone whom he can trust to learn the cultural aspects in a short time to handle Carlos effectively and win his trust and friendship. Also, inviting him and his wife for dinner was discussed as a plan of action. Cultural mentor is also a solution.

After breaking away for 15 minutes, we split up into 3 teams, each with a different cultural background, and had to discuss with other team members about selecting one out of 3 candidates for a managerial position. I belonged to the Eagle family that focussed on being aggressive and active, and we as a team ended up selecting Canopus as our candidate. However, when I met with other team members--who had selected Beetlejuice--we had to debate a little bit on the pros and cons of each of these two candidates, and were well along the way of arriving at a solution of selecting Canopus as our candidate. Here too, I learnt the art of having a keen observation in high level discussions, and be sensitive to others' cultural aspects.

The afternoon session was focussed on the Aracruz Corporation and land-grabbing case. I, as one of the representatives of Aracruz, had a hard time in defending our Company in the teeth of stiff opposition from NGOs, Indian representatives, and Government. I kept telling myself about keeping my aplomb as I felt that going through such a precarious situation and getting singled out to defend our position is far too common in business dealings:)

Overall, the class today was very experiential and taught me the importance of being sensitive to others' cultures, benefits of observation, stake holders discussions, etc in Global leadership.