International leadership skills refer to the ability to effectively lead, manage and communicate with individuals and teams from diverse cultural backgrounds in a global context. An international leader possesses the cultural intelligence necessary to adapt to and understand different cultural norms, values, and expectations.
They have strong communication skills and are able to bridge language barriers to effectively communicate with individuals from different countries and cultures. International leaders also possess strategic thinking skills, the ability to solve problems on a global scale, and the capacity to manage complex teams and partnerships across borders.
Overall, international leadership skills are essential for anyone who wishes to succeed in today's interconnected and globalized world. In Birn+Partners we work with international companies everyday and they face the need for global/local leadership.
International leadership have been tested lately
Financial crisis in 2008, Covid in 2020, Ukraine in 2022 , hybrid working routines since 2020. Dilemma and events affecting and challenging how to provide leadership. Adaptability, social intelligence, cultural understanding has been put to a test.
One example of an effective international leader is Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo (multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation). Nooyi was born and raised in India, but she went on to earn an MBA from Yale University and began her career at Boston Consulting Group before joining PepsiCo in 1994.
During her tenure as CEO from 2006 to 2018, Nooyi transformed PepsiCo into a global powerhouse, expanding its product portfolio, investing in sustainable business practices, and focusing on growth in emerging markets. She emphasized the importance of building a diverse and inclusive corporate culture and was recognized as one of the most powerful women in business by Forbes and Fortune magazines.
One of the key reasons for Nooyi's success as an international leader was her ability to understand and navigate different cultural contexts. She was fluent in several languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and English, and she made a point of traveling extensively to meet with employees, customers, and stakeholders around the world.
Nooyi's leadership style was also characterized by a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork. She was known for encouraging open communication and debate within her management team, and for promoting a culture of innovation and risk-taking.
Written by CEO Mikkel F. Birn, Birn+Partners
