Hays Recruitng: Communication Key To World-Class Leadership

Hays Recruitng: Communication Is The Key To World-Class Leadership

Communication skills are becoming vital if global business leaders are to effectively manage people across international boundaries, says recruiting experts Hays.

In its latest Hays Journal, out this week, the recruiter explores the growing importance of communication in international people management. Says Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand: 'For business leaders in an increasingly global, 24/7 environment, how they communicate with a multi-lingual and multi-cultural team, located across different time zones and markets, is increasingly important and critical to business success.

'Even the most globetrotting manager cannot be everywhere at once. The world of work is increasingly complex and in our experience of recruiting world-class leaders, strong communication skills are vitally important in a successful leader. They allow a leader to remain attuned to the different cultural and societal expectations of global teams through regular contact, while keeping in mind regional sensitivities and market differences.

'This includes being aware of how what you are saying is perceived by others, especially if English is not their first language.'

There has been some debate about whether such skills can be taught. 'Certainly it requires multiple interventions over a period of time,' says Jason. 'It's also about bringing people together '“ networks are hugely important to learning, while ongoing leadership and talent development are also critical.

'Leaders can develop the skills and qualities necessary to build, engage and foster team spirit across different time zones and geographies. Many organisations run their own diversity and inclusion training programmes for managers, with extra programmes offered for those likely to work with staff across geographies.

'This includes managing different ways of working, such as differing leadership and cultural styles. Coaching and training in effective communication techniques, such as the danger of ambiguity, the need for clarity and the benefits of picking up the phone or even getting on a plane, are also essential. How you communicate is vital.

'For example, at Hays we run a global leadership development programme for top managers. This programme combines classroom study with executive coaching and virtual learning.'

Hays also warn against relying on technology alone for communication. 'Although technology plays an important role, both in training and day-to-day communications, it should not be used as a substitute for personal relationships. Networks are hugely important to learning and sharing the experiences of international leadership.'

To access the Hays Journal please visit: www.hays-journal.com

Hays, the world's leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

About Hays

Hays is the leading global specialist recruiting group. We are the expert at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in Asia Pacific and the UK and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe and Latin America. We operate across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments.

As at 31 December 2011, Hays employed 7,988 staff operating from 247 offices in 31 countries across 20 specialisms. For the year ended 30 June 2011, Hays reported net fees of £672 million and operating profit of £114 million and placed around 60,000 candidates into permanent jobs and around 190,000 people into temporary assignments. 31% of Group net fees were generated in Asia Pacific.

Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, the United Kingdom and the USA.

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