By, Steven B. McKinney

McKinney Consulting Inc.

You have just taken on a 3-year assignment from HQ to relocate to Asia. A turning point in you career with a new organization, new language, new people, new culture and new ideas. What are you going to do? You need an ethos, or directive to guide you on your exploration of the orient and your conquest. Is there a magic formula for success that you should follow?

Stand for something - In the process of leading by example it is important not to lose your own identity. I remember the first time I moved to Korea as a businessman. The guy that I worked for counseled me about not forgetting who I was. Often times people come here, forget who they are, what they believe in and wind up changing their identities. Stand for something and stick to it. Be yourself, no one likes a phony.

Often we are tempted to give direct advice ‘do it this way’ or ‘do it that way’. A good friend warns, "…that sounds too preachy and implies that it worked for me and thus I guarantee it will work for you." "That just does not cut it." Is this always correct …maybe, maybe not? For example; I could say …’it is not nice to tell lies" that’s preachy. Who cares if it is nice or not? If telling lies ultimately benefits people, people will begin to tell more and more of them and truth will become ‘outdated’.

One could argue that goodness, virtue and the like have existed from the beginning of time and still exist today, but for what? We know what the benefits of cheating, stealing, and being selfish are. But what are the benefits of being good? We’ll talk about that later.

Leading by example - New foreign leaders have greater chances of success when they introduce new ideas as best practices verses this country or that country does it this way or that way. (fact not preachy) Multinational leaders that make a difference in their organizations and improve their positions in the market place gain the respect of their employees, community and competitors. A foreign leaders limited language ability and cultural awareness is to be expected whilst outstanding business results leave long lasting impressions on the hearts of the host countrymen with real affect. (Both facts) 

Getting involved in the local society can also be an important way of demonstrating leadership and improving the society in which one lives. Actively participating in local chambers of commerce and other business groups and civic organizations is just one way of getting involved in the community within Asia and shows that you care and are a contributor to society not just a taker. Many give excuses that they are too busy; travel too much or don’t have the right expertise. We all have something to contribute if we will just give it a little time and step out of our comfort zone and the local people will love you for it.

Giving back - Much can be gained by giving. Giving can come in the form of financial donations, products, services or even better your time and expertise. I have chosen to give my time and leadership talent to those areas where I think that I can contribute. Others are more able to donate money or product to worth causes. All is needed. My business has prospered in Korea and Asia by my giving not by my taking.

I found out that one of my principles has been easily accepted here in Asia, and thus I have not had to change very much to adapt.

For example: I believe in the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." But I am not alone, others believe in this as well they just put it in different phrases.

For example:

Judaism: What you hate, do not do to anyone.

Hinduism: Do nothing to thy neighbor which thou wouldst not have him do to thee.

Sikhism: Treat others as you would be treated yourself.

Buddhism: Hurt not others with that which pains thyself.

Confucius: What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.

Aristotle: We should behave to our friends as we wish our friends to behave to us.

Plato: May I do to others as I would that they should do unto me.

(Source: Hill & Albrecht, Marriott Business School)

Participation - One of the successful practices that I have had is the way in which I conduct American Chamber of Commerce Committee Meetings. I treat everyone in a warm friendly fashion, as I want to be treated. When possible everyone in attendance is given a minute to introduce themselves and their company. Everyone in our committee is treated as a VIP. Input, contribution, and questions are always encouraged. A feeling that everyone has a voice is encouraged in everything that we do. What do you feel comfortable doing or what is your personal stamp or style?

What is in your best interest should be in their best interest. - Multinational leaders that are able to clearly demonstrate and communicate to their employees that it is in their best interest to meet and exceed the goals and objectives of the company have a higher chance of success in their foreign assignment. On a broader perspective, do you ever wonder how twelve million people can live packed together closer than sardines in a city like Seoul and not kill each other? Isn't it a miracle that we don't have utter chaos? Shouldn't we expect 'more discord' rather than less? How is it that we are all getting along so well? Actually, when I think about it, I wonder why we aren't all killing each other to get what we want. I guess it has to do with the fact that we realize that what we want is only attainable if others get what they want too. That's the heart of the matter."

Recognition - Finally, give credit where it is deserved. Don’t take all of the credit spread it around. There are very few projects that are accomplished solo it usually takes a choir of people. So let the members of your choir rejoice by you being the soloist that beats their drum and they will in return be a choir that will sing your praises.

Steven B. McKinney is the founder and president of McKinney Consulting Inc., Korea's most trusted Executive Search Firm.  McKinney Consulting offers a comprehensive range of personalized, professional resource services to a wide cross-section of companies operating in Korea and Asia.  Mr. McKinney is a globally established commentator on international management.  He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it