Video: John Bland, Global Integration

Video: John Bland, Global Integration

Edited transcript for people viewing on mobiles or unable to view on YouTube

Hi I’m John Bland and I’ve been with Global Integration since the year 2000. I spent been the first part of my career with Procter and Gamble, during which time I lived in the UK, Belgium and Japan, and had responsibility for those countries as well as for Middle Eastern countries.

It was during this time that I gained firsthand line management experience of working in a blue chip, matrixed, international business.

One thing that has always interested me, right from my very first day work is: what is different about working in a complex, international company when compared to working in a single country and in a small and simple organizational structure? And more particularly, what does it take to be successful when working internationally?

In the training that we run, I’ve been helping to provide answers to these questions (ever since I joined Global Integration).

Interestingly, research has repeatedly shown that it’s critically important to continuously learn when working in a complex international
company.

And, of course, the more international your work, and the more complex the environment, the more there is out there to learn

Be aware that companies, as well as countries and regions within countries, all have their own way of doing things, and I think that the phrase “the way they do things round there” is a great way to define culture.

When it comes to working with different nationalities, or different cultures, I’d encourage you not to worry too much about
offending anyone from that culture. Rather, be aware that your personality will come through if you relax and let it. And finally, it’s helpful to realize that you don’t need to know everything right away. Success is, rather, about spotting gaps in your knowledge and then knowing how to fill the gaps.

I hope that, like me, you enjoy the journey.