Toolbox for Foreigners and Thais to Work Effectively Together 1-2-WIN

8/9/2019 Toolbox for Foreigners and Thais to Work Effectively Together 1-2-WIN

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Copyright 2009 1-2-WIN Co., Ltd. All rights reserved

www.1-2-WIN.net

This presentation is for information purpose only and no representation or warranty is given in respect of

its accuracy, completeness or fairness. This presentation may not be copied, redistributed or published(in whole or in part) without the prior written consent of 1-2-WIN Co., Ltd.

Info & downloads: www.1-2-win.net; email: [email protected]; tel: 08 799 60 679

A Toolbox for

Foreigners & Thais

to work effect ivelytogether

wi th

interv iews , ins ights & advice,to learn , reflect& TAKE ACTIONS

A Toolbox for

Foreigners & Thais

to work effect ivelytogether
http://www.1-2-win.net/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/


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Whats in it for You?

performance: strengths & areas for development

importance: differences in perceptions

differences in core-value systems & leadership models

toolbox for Foreigners: check-list & advice

toolbox for Thais: check-list & advice

barriers to communication

contrasts in environment

mistakes: most common ones, from Foreigners

same-samebut

so so SOdifferent!

why

whyWHY?

way

ahead
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-2193765-how-do-you-measure-up.phphttp://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-5164183-i-have-a-good-idea.php


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A presentation by Jean-Franois Cousin,

Executive Coach in Thailand since 1998,

with 12 years of management experience in Asia

Highest coaching credentials

Only accredited Executive Coach in Thailand,

as Professional Certified Coach by the

International Coach Federation1 as of May 09

Delivered over 1,500 hours of coaching 1-on-1

and workshops between Oct 06 and May 09

Former Managing Director of a Fortune-500

Company in Thailand (1998-2004)

1 www.coachfederation.org

Successful Clients

+
http://www.coachfederation.org/http://www.coachfederation.org/


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How much time do expatriates need to adapt & manage effectively in Thailand?

< 3mths 6-9 mths ~1 year 15-18 mths ~2 years+

4%

41%25%

12%18%

Why this survey? A NEED!

One result from our 2008-survey was striking


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www.1-2-WIN.net

Why this survey? AN OPPORTUNITY!

have a can do attitude and

go all the way to succeed

try their best and dont

hesitate occasional sacrifice

(OT, public holiday-)

are incredibly loyal

desire to please

and make friendsare good fun to work with

Successful

Foreigners say

Thai

colleagues

Thais

appreciate

Foreigners

who

share know-how and

best-practiceare creative

enhance exposure

to the outside World

teach quality-

decision making

Great rewards from effec t ive work together

deliver

effectively


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Why this survey? (gratitude) to Thai People!


7/49Copyright 2009 1-2-WIN Co., Ltd. All rights reserved

www.1-2-WIN.net

A far-reaching research,

with unprecedented response from Companies

120 CompaniesAnswers from:

160 Thais

110 Foreigners

(20 nationalities)

Survey by questionnaire interviews of 28 great business people

26 companies, 12 Thais, 16 Foreigners

March-April 2009 AprilMay 2009

Vigilant Technologies Co., Ltd.



www.1-2-WIN.net

Limitations of our research and presentation



www.1-2-WIN.net



same-same but so so SO different!






mistakes: most common ones, from Foreigners

same-samebut

so so SOdifferent!

why

whyWHY?

way

ahead


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www.1-2-WIN.net

and how important those top-10 skills are for Thais

English

responsible

big picture

assertive

friendly

value

sense of

urgency

easy to talk with

punctual

honest

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

149 40 30 20 10

HIG

HESTIMPORTANCE

L

OWESTIMPO

RTANCE

Which strengths really matter ?



www.1-2-WIN.net

Skills-improvement opportunity 10 lowest scores

excellent

Goodenough

> is effective at developing colleagues' skills

> spends time to develop subordinates' skills

> manages conflict effectively

> spends time to develop personalrelationships with colleagues

> develops harmony between people

> is patient

> motivates colleagues

> gives effective feedback on performance

(even to under-performers)

> controls emotion well

(does not get angry easily)

> cares for colleagues' well being

Notq

uitegoodenoug

h

How Thais assess Foreigners skills at work

wors t 49

48

47

46

45

44

43

42

41

40



www.1-2-WIN.net

and how important those top-10 skills are for Thais

149 40 30 20 10

HIGHESTIMPO

RTANCE

Develop colleagues' skills

Spend time to developsubordinates' skills

Conflict

management

Personal

relationships

Harmony

Patient

Motivate

Effective

feedback

Emotion

control

Care

Most

important

LOW

ESTIMPORTANCE

49

48

47

46

45

44

43

42

41

40

Improvement opportunities: which skills really matter



www.1-2-WIN.net

excellent

Thais strengths: 10 best scores on skills

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

> is polite

> controls emotion well

(does not get angry easily)

> is friendly

> has integrity, is honest

> works hard

> is trustworthy (I can trust them)

> is patient

> is easy to talk with

(makes me comfortable)

> cares for colleagues' well being

> knows how to manage seniority at work

Goodenough

How Foreigners assess Thais skills at work
http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-illustration-1494523-sunny.php



www.1-2-WIN.net

and how important those top-10 skills are for Foreigners

polite emotion

control

friendly

trustworthy

patient

easy to

talk with

cares

honest

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

149 40 30 20 10

manage

seniority

works

hard

HIG

HESTIMPORTANCE

LO

WESTIMPORTANCE

Which strengths really matter ?



www.1-2-WIN.net

How Foreigners assess Thais skills at work

Notq

uitegoodenoug

h

excellent

Goodenough

> says what he/she thinks usually

> is creative, thinks "out of the box"

> manages time effectively

> manages priorities effectively

> gives effective feedback on performance

(even to under-performers)

> expresses ideas with confidence

(is assertive)

> is straightforward (tells the truth)

> makes decisions quickly

> takes initiative

> manages conflict effectively

49

48

47

46

45

44

43

42

41

40

Skills improvement opportunity 10 lowest scores

wors t



www.1-2-WIN.net

and how important those top-10 skills are for Foreigners

149 40 30 20 10

Says what

he/she thinks

Creative

Time

management

Priorities

Effective

feedbackAssertive

StraightforwardQuick

decisionsInitiative

Conflict

management

HIGH

IMPO

RTANCE

Most

important

LOW

ESTIMPORTANCE

HIGHE

STIMPO

RTANCE

49

48

47

46

45

44

43

4241

40

Improvement opportunities: which skills really matter

N no NO!



www.1-2-WIN.net

Compare Thai land w i th o ther count ries

Be condescending / arrogant att i tude /

underestimate Thais capability

No, no, NO!Most common mistakes made by Foreigners

Publi c ly b lame / express d isagreement

Rely on monetary mot ivat ion alone(reward is uncertain whereas quality of relationship is

a daily reality)

Ignore Thai cultural values

Rush to change before understanding

Impo l it el y too d irec t

Inappropr iate body- language

Misinterp ret a Yes or a sm ile

Lack o f f lex ib i li ty / dontadjust



www.1-2-WIN.net

Most important skills at work, in Thais opinion

78%

63%

59%

59%

52%

52%

49%

48%

46%

45%

> be open-minded

(listen well to different ideas than your own)

> express your ideas clearly

> listen well

> make good decisions

> control emotion well

(dont get angry easily)

> be respectful of Thai culture

> be easy to talk with

(make me comfortable to talk you)

> motivate your colleagues

> have good analytical skills

> be good at solving problems

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Top-10 important skills



www.1-2-WIN.net

73%

69%

64%

60%

60%

59%

57%

56%

54%

48%

Most important skills at work, in Foreigners opinion

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10


> be open-minded

(listen well to different ideas than your own)

> speak English well

> be straightforward (tell the truth)

> manage priorities effectively

> listen well

> say what you think


> express your ideas with confidence

(be assertive)

> develop harmony between people

in the work place

Top-10 important skills



www.1-2-WIN.net

25%

75%


> be open-minded

> listen well


Same-same but so so SO different

Whi h kill tt h f F i th f Th i



www.1-2-WIN.net

Which skills matters much more for Foreigners than for Thais,

and vice-versa

Express your ideaswith confidence

Say what you think

Speak English well

Manage priorities effectivelyTakes initiative

Make me feel appreciated

Recognize achievements

Control emotion well

Motivate colleagues

Be polite

Be straightforward

Gets things done in time

36%

35%

32%

31%

24%

18%

18%

More importantfor Thais

More importantfor Foreigners

22%

20%

19%

15%

15%

% difference in importance

Foreigners performance


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Open-minded

Express ideasclearly

Listen

Respect Thai Culture

Easy to talk with

Analyze

Good decisions

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

89

10

149 40 30 20 10

Solve problems

Emotion control

Motivate

- - - PERFORMANCE +++

Foreigners performance

on top-10 most important skills for Thais

Performance on skills, ranked from best (#1) to worst (#49)

Top-1

0

mostimportanceskills,

inThaisopinion

Thais performance


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Open-minded

Express ideas clearly

English

Listen

Say what you think

Assertive

Straightforward

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

89

10

149 40 30 20 10

Harmony

Priorities

Solve problems

Thais performance

on top-10 most important skills for Foreigners

- - - PERFORMANCE +++

Performance on skills, ranked from best (#1) to worst (#49)

Top-10

mostimportanceskills,

inForeignersopinion


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why why WHY?






mistakes: most common ones, from Foreignerssame-same

but

so so SOdifferent!

why

whyWHY?

way

ahead


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Core-values systems: how different?


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Krengjai? Sam Ruam?

Hai Kiat? Bunkun?

Nam Jai

Hen Jai

Values / Foreigners: do you understand


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Care for each-other (give face, avoid conflict)

Be humble & composed

(keep bad feelings inside)

Respect (hierarchy & seniority)

Enjo y extended fam ily at wo rk

Significant value-differences at work

Foreigners main focus* Thais main focus*

Be goal -or iented & accountable

Be analyt ical, cri t ical, creative

Be straight forward, assert ive

Take in i t ia tive

Be effective & eff icient

* We obviously simplify, with the objective to trigger in-depth discussions between Foreigners & Thais


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Thai core-value system: recommended reading

From: S. KOMIN, Psychology of the Thai People: Values and Behavioral Patterns

National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) 1990, p. 133.

1. Ego

2. Grateful Relationship

3. Smooth Interpersonal Relationship

4. Flexibility and Adjustment

5. Religio Psychical

6. Education and Competence

7. Interdependence

8. Fun Pleasure

9. Achievement Task

Values-ranking in the Thai cognitive system

http://lox1.loxinfo.co.th/%7Esniphon/

f f *
http://lox1.loxinfo.co.th/~sniphon/5.htmlhttp://lox1.loxinfo.co.th/~sniphon/http://lox1.loxinfo.co.th/~sniphon/http://lox1.loxinfo.co.th/~sniphon/http://lox1.loxinfo.co.th/~sniphon/http://lox1.loxinfo.co.th/~sniphon/http://lox1.loxinfo.co.th/~sniphon/http://lox1.loxinfo.co.th/~sniphon/5.html


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Direct ive & truly car ing

Gets loyal ty (Bunkun) for caring

Au thor i ty based on relat ions hips

& senior i ty

Foreign leadership model* Thais leadership model*

Participative

Gets respectfor knowledge & wisdom

Author it y based on ru les & regu lat ions

Phradet + Phrakhun => Baramee

Phradet ~ authority & decision making

Phrakhun ~ ensures well-being of employees families & rewards

Baramee ~ resulting power


Leadership models of reference*

L d hi d l f f *


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Direct ive & truly car ing

Gets loyal ty (Bunkun) for caring

Au thor i ty based on relat ions hips

& senior i ty

Foreign leadership model* Thais leadership model*

Participative

Gets respectfor knowledge & wisdom

Author it y based on ru les & regu lat ions


Leadership models of reference*

Communication


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Communication

risks of confusion!

Communication


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Communication

risks of confusion!

Communication


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Some barriers to communication

to speak-out or not to speak?... that is the question!

Oth i ifi t diff i i t


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High unemployment Job & compensat ion

highly imp or tant

Other significant differences in environment

Labor market& compensation

Education

Exposure

to the World

Western countries* Thailand*

Fair ly easy t o f ind a j ob Fami ly suppor t between jobs

High interaction -levelbetween teachers and

students

Focus on memorizat ion Relat ively low emphasis on

cr i t ical thinking

Most Western expats

have travelled qui te

extensively

Sign if ican t coverage o f

internat ional issu es in

most f or eig n med ia

L im ited t ravel ou ts ide o f

Thailand

L imi ted coverage of

international iss ues in Thai

media


Conflict management: different priorities*
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/reference_maps/jpg/political_world.jpg


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1. Al l -out discu ssion

to c lar i fy issu es

Conflict management: different priorities*

1. Min imize damage

to relat ionships

2. No bad feelings af terwards

Foreigners

2. Keep bad feel ings ins ide

Thais

C

O

N

F

L

IC

T

AFTER

C

ONFLICT



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Self-diagnosis / check-list for Foreigners


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1. Can you explain c learly: sam ruam , namchai, kreng jai, bunku n ?

2. How much do you know about your colleagues families?

3. How much t ime do you sp end in 1-on-1 for ski l ls development?

4. How often do you recognize your colleagues achievements?

5. How often do yo u have a good t ime with yo ur team?

6. How often do you ask probin g quest ions (to check understanding)?

7. Whats your level in Thai- language?

8. Do your Thai team-members s hare opinion s in meet ings?

9. How much/well do you deliver, in your Thai colleagues opinion?

10. How often do yo u lose sel f -contro l at wo rk?

g g

(download from www.1-2-win.net)

Download the self-diagnosis tool*, rate yourself, calculate your total,

reflect on feedback and take actions!

10 questions to know where you are + way to go!

* may be slightly

different, as it is

regularly improved

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10 Ad ice* to Foreigners / in est in Relationships


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10 Advice* to Foreigners / invest in Relationships



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Trust & Respect f i rs t + earn Trust and Respect

Care(and show it) + invest in personal relat ionships

(build-up your extended family at work)

Dont rush! Open your mind, listen, learn, adapt, then act

Share your values, clar i fy pr ior i t ies & yo ur expectat ions

Create safe and fr iendly atmos ph ere at work

Never los e self -con trol

Ensure clarity of understanding, yours and your Thai colleagues

(probe beyond a yes or a smile)

Develop / coach team -members

Invo lve your team as much as pos sib le

Del iver vis ib ly & with h um i l i ty


* Chosen from most common tipsprovided in survey and interviews

10 Advice* to Thais / leverage your potential for Achievement


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Dare to be straightforward with Foreigners (dont be afraid!)

Quest ion Foreign ers when th eir explanat ion s are no t clear or relevant

Dont compromise beyond your beliefs

Dont commit before you are sure to deliver on time

Be bold to adm it your m istakes + come up w ith a way to so lve the problem

Be creat ive, dare to th ink ou t-of- the-bo x

Teach and learn from the Foreigners

Be pr ior i t ies & resu lt -or iented, & acco un table (deliver on time, no matter what)

Prepare yours elf for negat ive / toug h feedback from Foreigners

Be punctual

10 Advice* to Thais / leverage your potential for Achievement

say what you think, say what you want, say no when you disagree and explain why,

inform about problems quickly, be transparent: do what you say, say what you do

* Chosen from most common tipsprovided in survey and interviews

+ 888 tips from our survey (download from www 1 2 win net)


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+ 888 tips from our survey (download from www.1-2-win.net)

Human factor is the most important thing to deal

with people, especially Thai people, they like to

be appreciated. Have to understand that lots of

them work with mind, and if they feel hurt, things

can turn up very difficult. They always say "MaiPen Rai", meaning "Never mind. They just say

that it is not counted this time (but be sure that it

will be kept in mind), it can burst out easily after

the 3rd time.

Always be polite

Show integrity

Develop listening skills, which reinforce

trust from staff

Learn and understand Thai culture

Use as much as possible Thai influence

of Thai Line Managers

Remain calm at all time

Be patient

Avoid situations where staff lose face


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5 steps to improve cross cultural work effectiveness quickly


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Watch AL L interviews in o ur DVD; each o ne offers dif ferent advice and t ips

Share and discus s th is presentat ion & th e DVD with y our c ol leagues

Downlo ad & com plete you r sel f -assessm ent qu est ionn aire, ref lect o n your

way forw ard and take act ions

Extra home-wo rk for Foreigners

And then embrace effect ive cross -cu l ture wo rk w i th passion,

to make it a career-hig hl ig ht and a wonderful exper ience for yo u

1

2

3

4

5

5 steps to improve cross-cultural work-effectiveness quickly

& Th k Y !
http://www.thai2english.com/dictionary/31092.htmlhttp://www.thai2english.com/dictionary/31092.htmlhttp://www.thai2english.com/dictionary/6748.htmlhttp://www.thai2english.com/dictionary/6748.htmlhttp://www.thai2english.com/dictionary/6748.html


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Appendix 1: 28 great businessmen and businesswomen
http://www.thai2english.com/dictionary/6748.htmlhttp://www.thai2english.com/dictionary/6748.htmlhttp://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.thai2english.com/dictionary/6748.html


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Khun Patara Yongvanich Managing Director SAP

Jorge Pinedo General Manager Mead Johnson Nutrition Thailand

Khun Suchada Ithijarukul President Siam Makro Public Company LimitedHanno Kroemer Finance Director TNT

Rajesh Sethi President and Chief Executive Officer ING Life Limited

Khun Thipayasuda Suvanajata General Manager Human Resources The Shell Company of Thailand

Winfried Kiesbueye Managing Director CEVA Logistics (Thailand) Ltd.

Khun Prakorn Makjumroen Chairman and CEO Philips Electronic (Thailand Ltd.

Henk J. Kiks Chief Executive Officer B-Quik Co., Ltd

Khun Arunee Jittanon Corporate Sales Director Wall Street Institute School of English

Hein Swinkels VP Finance Unilever Thai Trading Limited

Khun Vongthip Chumpani Advisor Bangkok Bank

Peter Cauwelier Executive Vice President EssilorAsia Operations

Dr. Pisit Leeahtam President Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce

Alan Miu Country General Manager TNT

Khun Supanee Srivichian Financial Controller OCE

Bruno Charvet Deputy Managing Director Mazda Sales Thailand

Khun Panya Pongtanya General Manager Thai Asia Pacific Brewery Co., Ltd

Frdric Etienbled Managing Director Hypertrade Consulting

Gilles Cretallaz General Manager Sofitel Bangkok SukhumvitKhun Lertpong Project Sales and Technical Manager Parex-Davco Co. Ltd

Khun Maris Tarab Managing Director ING Funds

Willem de Vries President and CEO Vigilant Technology Co., Ltd

Jean-Jacques Durin Business Consultant Trocadelyo

Khun Wijit Jamornjureekul Financial Controller Parex-Davco Co. Ltd

Marcel Krooswijk Director Chuchawal Royal Haskoning

Jean-Marie Pithon Chairman and CEO DEXTRA

Frdric Favre Managing Director Vovan & Associs

share their tips in the DVD

Appendix 2: full survey results


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download excel f i le from www.1-2-win .net

Appendix 3: DVD menus


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Appendix 3: DVD menus

Info & downloads: www.1-2-win.net;

email: [email protected];

tel: 08 799 60 679
http://www.1-2-win.net/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/http://www.1-2-win.net/

Documents

Toolbox for Foreigners and Thais to Work Effectively Together 1-2-WIN