Dealing with machismo abroad – Photo credit: madamenoire.com

Happy Friday! TGIF!
One of my mentors once told me over lunch about some of her disastrous (albeit funny) experiences abroad as a business manager. I almost swallowed sideways as she mentioned how she would be referred to as “the girl” in company meetings. And if you know my mentor, the last thing you’d want to refer to her as is a “girl”…

Having traveled and worked abroad for brief periods of time, I knew exactly what she meant. In many other global regions outside of the U.S, machismo towards working women is not only acceptable, it’s actually considered a pretty good idea. Islamic, Latin, African and many Asian cultures do not allow for females in business, unless it is in limited, non-challenging ways. And when U.S. women work overseas, the limitations in these male-dominated cultures can seem really daunting.

Yet, faced with an ever-expanding economy and a heated debate about gender parity and women leaning in to better opportunities at work, it is hard for today’s professional women to avoid working abroad. Actually, it is recommended to complete overseas work assignments to bring one’s career to the next level.

1. Research the culture of the country! Whether you’ve been assigned to work in Saudi Arabia, or beautiful Rio de Janeiro, your first step should be to research the customs of the place. In some conservative Muslim countries, men do not make eye contact with women, while the latter should have their heads covered in public. Be aware of the settings you’re going into!

2. Show respect! While some of us may find some of the local customs to be at polar opposites from what we’re accustomed to, it is still important to show respect. Establishing a good business connection starts with respecting each other’s differences. And this is all the more prevalent as you may be representing an entire company.

3. Speak softly and carry a big stick! I’ve always found Theodore Roosevelt’s quote to be fitting to conducting business abroad, especially as a woman. Aggressiveness on the part of women is often negatively perceived in male-dominated cultures and are likely to impair productive business. A non-aggressive, yet assertive personality, will get the job done more effectively.

4. Expect blocks in the road! There will be blocks in the road, and probably some flared tempers along the way. It’s all part of the process, and will have to be managed effectively. Whether you have to use your own authority or resort to having higher management intervene, expect there to be challenges and obstacles. And thankfully so, how else would we grow?

What is your experience as a woman working overseas in male-dominated cultures?

The Corporate Sis.