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   Q&A with Jeanenne LaMarsh Q: Is managing a global change just like managing any other change? A: No. Different cultures, different economic and political climates, different religions and different geographies are all factors that may mean certain sources of resistance will be stronger in different places. It also means that the tactics built into the change communication, learning and reward plans have to be unique to address those differences. When the change agent finds that stronger sponsorship needs to be built into the project, the tactics for going about gaining that sponsorship will be much different in Japan than in Denmark. Q: What are some of the additional differences around the world we need to think about? A: Look for possible differences in the way leadership leads the target population in an area. Are women treated differently? Are older people revered and deferred to or ignored and looked down upon? Be careful to consider the logistical issues of a global change as well. When the change team in Asia has to make itself available for a weekly 3 a.m. conference call, while the corporate group's call is at a more normal business hour, it tells the team on the other side of the world a lot about how they are viewed. Don't assume that everyone in every country knows what the employees in the corporate office know. Distance diminishes the messages. Q: What should I do when I have a major change occurring in a culture completely different than mine? A: Engage as a coach someone who understands the culture and is trusted by the employees who must change. Ensure the coach understands why you will need his or her help and is comfortable with the methodology and roles of everyone on the team. There are lots of web sites you can go to and books you can read that will help you understand the differences between your country and others. Ask them, the people impacted by the change, to tell you when you are not addressing their needs or not addressing them in the way they need to be addressed. In some countries that will work well. In others, you are going to have to get very good at reading the tea leaves. If you are constantly sensitive to this issue you will pick up a lot of hints. 
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