With only 18% of global leaders successfully achieving long and short-term objectives, how are you positioning your Communications leaders to drive global growth? CEB analyzed the business performance of more than 12,000 executives and more than 90 companies to determine what it takes to make “Great Global Leaders.”
Finding great leaders is a perennial challenge for organizations. It is made harder by the need to find leaders equipped to handle the complexity of managing growth in new markets. This is something we hear all the time from Heads of Global Communications, as managing the function is all the more complex at a global scale (check out our toolkit for managing communications in global and virtual teams).
Here are some findings from CEB’s analysis of the work characteristics of global leaders which I found interesting. When compared to their peers, global leaders:
- Work with 17% more people they do not directly manage
- Are 32% less likely to have accurate market information
- Have a 74% broader span of responsibilities
- Work with 160% more stakeholders
And here are four things not required for great global leadership:
- Prior international experience
- Local language fluency
- Deep knowledge of local cultures (although a basic understanding of cultural values doesn’t hurt to avoid any embarrasing situations!)
- Organizational tenure
Surprised? Well, I was! (at least about the first 3 on the list)
So, what does it take to build Great Global Leaders? Take these four steps to develop globally-minded communications leaders on your team (CEC members, check out the linked resources available to you to succeed in these four areas):
- Demonstrate Career Advancement Opportunities
- Use Relocation Alternatives
- Use Stretch Roles to Build Influence
- Build Global Peer Networks to Support Leaders
To learn more, download CEB Executive Guidance today or read the online version. CEC Members, also check out our Global Management resources.
As a Global Communications Leader, what do you struggle with the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!
CEC Related Resources:
Building a Global Mindset: Overview of Cultural Values that Shape Interpersonal Communications
How to Guide Your Career in Communications
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