Doing Business in South Asia

South Asia is home to world’s largest democracy, some of the fastest growing economies and booming stock markets. Traveling within the region is definitely exciting, especially for those from North America who are well acquainted with vast uninhabited spaces; the network of congested roads and buildings can be overwhelming.

South Asia is is not only a hub for history and cultural diversity, but a force to reckon with, when it comes to global business. In fact many companies from North America have outsourced some of their services to take advantage of time differences in order to offer 24 h service to clients, and reap the benefits of cheaper labor costs.  In the years following the post colonization era foreign investment in South Asia still continued, and although there was a decrease in foreign direct investment in 2012 companies still continue to look favorably upon the region for investment opportunities. South Asia remains a lucrative market and it is always advantageous to be better acquainted with the cultural and social aspects of conducting business in the region.

Our experience in conducting business in South Asia coupled with our knowledge of the cultures prevalent in the region, has provided us with insight in to the business etiquette and protocol used within South Asia. Here are a few business etiquette tips for doing business in South Asia:

1. Time isn’t always money
Don’t expect your 9 a.m. meeting to start on time. Your South Asian counterparts may arrive as late as 9.45 and will not be concerned that they are not on time. This can be frustrating to business associates from North America where punctuality is essential and it is considered rude to be late for a business meeting.

2. There is never a direct No
South Asian society is very polite and its best to avoid using the word “No” during business dealings. “We’ll see”, “Possibly”, “May be” are phrases that can replace the word “No”.

3. Refrain from ordering beef
Opt not to order beef at business meetings as cows are considered sacred in India, which is the largest country in the South Asian continent.

4. Quit your wine-ing
It’s best to limit alcohol to just one glass or none at all as some of the South Asian countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh  are prominently Muslim and alcohol is not permitted.

5. Take my card
Business cards play an important part in conducting business in the region. Business cards are  presented with both hands, like a gift. Take a few minutes to read and look over the card. Do not just put it away or keep it lying around. After taking a good look at it, put it away in a safe place.

6. Titles matter
At business meetings, stick to the hierarchical structure. Credentials and titles matter in South Asia.

7. Religious celebrations are often national holidays
Prior to meeting business colleagues, ensure that you are aware of any religious holidays as most religious festivals are marked by a national holiday. For example, Sri Lanka celebrates the festivals of four religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.

8. Guess who’s coming to dinner
If invited to a colleague’s residence, do not refuse trying out any food that is offered to you. If you do refuse it, it will be taken as an insult. It’s best to at least taste it out of respect for the host.

9. Do not open
If you receive a gift from a business colleague, do not open it in the presence of the one who gave it to you.

10. Suit up
Men are generally expected to wear a suit and women are expected to be modestly dressed in a business suit or pant suit.

11. Let’s do lunch
Do not expect to seal the deal at the very first meeting. Building a relationship matters most in this part of the world and the business deal would follow after the relationship is established.

12. It’s not what you know it’s who you know
Knowing people of influence goes a long way in any business relationship in this part of the world. You will be treated differently if you’re known to someone who is higher up in the corporate structure.

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

21 Questions : Things you should and shouldn't ask your potential employer

Interviews are an essential stepping stone to landing a job. Most candidates expect to be grilled and tested by their interviewers but few remember that asking questions themselves is an important part of the interview process.

Being prepared for your interview and knowing what questions to ask potential employers not only demonstrates your interest in the job and the company, but it’s a key indicator of confidence as well.

In this post we examine the questions you should and shouldn’t ask your interviewer.

Let’s start with the questions you should ask :

Company Centric Questions:

1. What is the company’s culture like?

2. What type of leadership style/philosophy does the company employ?

3. Are there opportunities for growth and advancement within the company?
4.Does the company offer education and professional development opportunities?
5. What sets the company a part from its competitors from a public and insider perspective?

Job Specific Questions:

6. Can you describe the responsibilities of the position?

7. What is a typical day in the position like?

8. What is a typical work week like and is overtime expected?

9. What is the typical career trajectory for someone in this position?

10.What are the top three essential skills required to succeed in this position?

11. What specific skills and qualities would your ideal candidate possess?

12. Is this a new position or did someone leave this position?

Questions for your information:

13.Would you like me to provide a list of references?

14. If I am extended a job offer, how soon would I be expected to start?

15. When do you expect to make a decision? Next steps?

Questions to Avoid:

16. What is your background? How did you get the job?

17. Did I get the job?

18. Do you do background checks?

19. What does the company do?

20. Do you have any concerns about me or my qualifications that would prevent me from getting the job?

21. How quickly will I be promoted/ get a raise?


Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

Decoding the Dress Code

What is a Dress Code? It is a standard or a norm that acts as a guide to let us know what is appropriate to wear to a certain place or event. Whether it be a business event or a social event, it is important to give a good first impression.  When attending any event, it is courteous to adhere to the dress code. An event can be informal or formal and within these two definitions are different dress codes. 

An informal event can have a Lounge, Smart-casual or Casual dress code while a formal event can have a more specific White-Tie or Black-Tie dress code.

 Let’s take a look at the different dress codes that pertain to different events.

Informal Event:

 An informal event simply means that it is not formal. It means it’s definitely not a Black-Tie event. Although informal, the event would generally require a business suit. An informal dress code is typically a suit and tie for men and a suit dress for women.

An informal dress code can also be a Smart-Casual dress code. A Smart-Casual dress code is a dress shirt and dress pants but no tie for men and a sun-dress, dress, pant suit or skirt suit for women.

An informal dress code also includes a Casual dress code. A Casual dress code can mean a polo shirt and pants for men and dress or pants with shirt for women.

Formal Event:

A formal event would require a formal dress code. A formal dress code can mean a White-Tie or Black-Tie dress code.

A White-Tie dress code is the most formal dress code.  A White-Tie dress code comes in to affect after 6.00 p.m. and is usually acceptable at state dinners or evening balls. A White-Tie dress code for men is an evening dress coat, white bow-tie, white waistcoat and a starched collar shirt.

A White-Tie dress code for women is a ball gown.

The less formal dress code for a formal event is the Black-Tie dress code. The Black-Tie dress code is for an evening event mainly after 6 p.m.

The Black-Tie dress code for men is a black suit, a white dress shirt, a black bow-tie, a cummerbund, and black dress shoes. 

 

A Black-Tie dress code for women can vary but consists of a dress, either ankle or mid-calf length, gloves, stole and evening shoes.

Being aware of what traditional dress codes mean is important, not only to create a good impression at an event but also show respect to the host or hostess.

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

Six Tips for Managing People

Managing people is a tricky job, even for the most skilled business school grads and experienced professionals.  Being a manager is more than just delegating tasks and supervising employees; it means you are accountable to both your boss and your staff. 

Here are a few tips for managers:

1. Delegate work according to skill level and capability

As a manager your staff is there to help you achieve your goals as a department, section, or even organization. Being in charge is doesn’t give you the right to palm off tasks you don’t enjoy on your staff. You must delegate work according to your staff’s skill level and capabilities. Each member of your staff is unique and has different strengths and weaknesses;  it is your job to recognize their strengths. You need to get to know your staff and their capacities in the workplace. Remember to be fair in your delegation, resist the urge to pile work on your strongest staff members and delegate easier tasks to those who might be struggling. Make sure everyone has a fair share of responsibilities within their assigned roles.

2.  Hold weekly meetings

Weekly meetings are a common practice in most workplaces as it gives co-workers and managers alike a chance to discuss progress, plan the coming week, and initiate new tasks. Make sure you get status updates on the work you’ve delegated and ensure the participation of all your employees in weekly meetings. This  will allow you to assess how employees are dealing with the workload and determine where changes need to be made.

3. Schedule open door time

The “Open door” policy isn’t always the best approach to increase productivity. As a manager you may need time alone in your office to work, brainstorm, meet tight deadlines, and sort out your thoughts. However, your employees will have questions and concerns to discuss with you, designating a time when you will be available to address these concerns is a great way of showing your concern and approachability. It’s a good idea to schedule “open door time” every day or at

least 3 times a week; this way employees know they can talk to you about their concerns.  This practice is often adopted in academia where professors have “Office Hours” within which students can meet them to discuss grades, assignments etc.

4. Exercise open and effective communication

Open communication is the key to effective management. Managers are often the bearers of good and bad news.  When relaying messages from the higher echelons of your organization make sure you share information equally. Inform all employees at the same time.  Some managers feel that they should only share information with certain employees who they determine “need to know it” or for whom it is “relevant”. However this scenario often results in closed door meetings between the manager and just a few staff members, leaving other employees feeling left out, suspicious and anxious.  Engaging in closed door meetings of this sort is highly discouraged as it promotes division and suspicion. Of course some information needs to remain confidential but managers must be discrete about how they go about disclosing information to staff .

5. Keep it professional 

The office is a great place to network and make new friends, but it’s important to keep it professional. You may be closer to certain members of your staff than others but attempt to maintain the same level of interaction with all employees. Avoid going out to lunch with  the same staff members every week or sitting next to the same people at meetings. This makes others feel like you’re playing favourites and will result in jealousy, competition, and workplace conflict as everyone wants to be close to “the boss”.  You can engage in conversations with employees outside of working hours but remember to keep your composure.  Be polite and keep it professional, don’t get too personal.

6. Introduce team building initiatives

Initiating team building activities is a good way to foster a collectivist environment within your department and make employees feel included and welcome. Introducing office outings such as a lunch out of the office will allow you to connect with your staff in a new environment and boost morale within the department. If going out is not feasible, organizing a department potluck or simply celebrating employee birthdays with a cake or dessert is a great way to promote interaction. A collectivist environment is always better than an individualistic environment within a department or office. Managers need to make sure employees are team players working toward a common goal. 


Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

Handling Workplace Conflict

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace. The reason being that just like you can’t choose your family, you can’t choose your co-workers either. Most offices are a melting pot of ideas, backgrounds, and cultures. Workplace diversity is a definite advantage but this mix of personalities can also result in misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Handling conflict is not something everyone enjoys. In fact most people prefer to ignore or avoid conflict rather than addressing it head on. Here are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with workplace conflict:

1. Consider the cause

Conflicts do not arise out of the blue. They’re often the result of a misunderstanding. It’s important to consider the cause of conflict as this will help you determine how to diffuse it. Try to think of what occurred in the past days or weeks that may result in a conflict. If you cannot understand the cause simply ask the person who is engaged in a conflict with you why they are upset or displeased.

2. Keep an open mind

Adopting an unbiased view in a conflict situation is much easier said than done. We often feel like we are being blamed or victimized and it’s very difficult to think otherwise. However keep in mind that your workplace is a professional environment and attempt to take on an objective stance during a conflict, try not to let other co-workers or peers influence your opinion,

3. Listen

The best communicators listen more than they talk. Being an active listener and gaining an understanding of the other person’s point of view is essential to resolving a conflict. When you ask someone what is wrong be ready to listen to what they have to say, even though it may not  be what you want to hear. Make eye contact while listening and nod your head to acknowledge what they’re saying. Remain composed and do not react in anger if what you hear is unpleasant or insulting, wait for your turn to talk but don’t retaliate and lash out.

4. Empathize

Empathy is an important skill in conflict resolution. You need to be able to recognize and understand the feelings of others involved in the conflict. Expressing empathy and being aware of how people are feeling is crucial to being able to provide a solution. You can express empathy by using phrases such as “I understand your frustration” or “ I can appreciate your displeasure with the current situation”

5. Be accountable

When addressing conflicts you will most likely have some blame placed on you by the other party involved. Accountability is key when resolving a conflict. If you have indeed done something to offend them promptly apologize. If your actions were simply misunderstood and you firmly believe you did nothing wrong resist the urge to lash out at the other party; instead use a statement such as “I’m sorry you feel that way, I can assure it was not my intention to offend you” or “I believe my actions were misinterpreted, I’m sorry about the confusion”. Using the words  like apologize and sorry does not mean you are retreating, it just shows your understanding of the situation and your regret in potentially causing offense or hurt.

6. Bring in a mediator

Sometimes an impartial third party is needed to mediate a conflict. This situation arises when open communication between the two conflicting parties is not feasible. When choosing a mediator be sure to choose someone that will recognize the concerns of both parties and give equal importance to both. It’s a good idea to choose someone from a different department or even rely on a Human Resources professional to do the job as he/she will be better equipped to deal with such issues. Mediation is usually a last resort if feuding co-workers simply cannot come to a consensus. 


Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

10 Dining Etiquette Do's and Don'ts

Dining etiquette is often overlooked and discounted as frivolous when it comes to projecting a professional image. However, with more business meetings being conducted over lunch or dinner dining etiquette has taken on a more central role in the corporate world.

Here’s a look at 10 do’s and don’ts of dining etiquette. This content comes straight from our program Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

1. Don’t tuck your napkin in to your shirt

Your napkin should lay across your lap with the folded end closest to you. Although it might be tempting for some gentlemen to protect their favourite work shirt or tie, tucking your napkin in to your shirt collar is never an option.

2. Refrain from using cutlery to gesture at the table

This is a common mistake people make when talking at the table. When you’re speaking put your cutlery down, the last thing you want to do is point your fork or knife at a potential client or business contact, this comes across as dangerous and somewhat threatening.

3. Keep your cell phone off the table

Although many of us feel the need to have our phones with us at all times resist the urge to text, call, or use social media during a business lunch or dinner. By keeping your phone out of sight and stored away in your purse, bag, or jacket pocket you will not be tempted to refer to it during your meal. Make sure your phone is on silent. If you are indeed expecting a call, inform the person you are dining with and excuse yourself from the table to take the call.

4. Avoid primping at the table

Many ladies feel the need to touch up their lipstick after a meal. Though projecting a professional image is essential, hair and make up should be reserved for the ladies room and not the dining table. Resist the urge to break out a compact mirror to check your make up and touch up lipstick.

5. Your napkin is not a tissue

Never use your napkin to blow your nose at the table. Your napkin should only be used to dab the corners of your mouth. If you have a runny nose simply excuse yourself and retire to the washroom to blow your nose.

6.  If it falls leave it on the floor

If you happen to drop your napkin or cutlery on the floor during the course of your meal do not pick it up and resume eating. Simply call the waiter over, explain what happened and ask for a fresh fork, knife, or napkin. Although it may seem like common sense to pick it up, keep in mind that you are at a professional business meeting and reaching under the table will make for an awkward moment and come across as unprofessional.

7. Too hot to handle? Don’t blow on it!

If your food is too hot to eat right away, resist the urge to blow on it before taking a bite. Instead wait a few minutes for it to cool down. If others are waiting for you to commence eating simply explain the situation to them and encourage them to proceed.

8. Don’t be picky!

Some restaurants provide you with toothpicks at the end of the meal. Toothpicks should never be used at the table. If you need to use a toothpick to get food out of your teeth, you should always excuse yourself and retire to the washroom. Although toothpicks are presented at the table they should not be used at the table.

9. Never chew with your mouth open

Your food should stay in your mouth while you’re eating. Do not open your mouth and chew food to the side of your mouth. You should also avoid talking with your mouth full as you will risk being rude and possibly spitting food at your colleagues.

10. Maintain good posture

As your mother always told you : keep your elbows off the table. Placing your elbows on the table causes you to hunch or slouch with sends the message that you’re not really engaged in the business meeting. Make sure you sit upright with your hands either folded in your lap or placed on your thighs. You may also rest your wrists on the table but make sure you are sitting up straight. Good posture is a sign of confidence!

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

6 Introduction Mistakes To Avoid

Introducing yourself and others to key contacts is essential for building business relationships and networking effectively. However there are pitfalls that many professionals can avoid when making introductions.

Here’s a look at 6 introduction mistakes to avoid. This information comes straight from our program How to be a Polite Professional

 1. Looking away: Looking away when you are being introduced to someone gives off the impression that you are disinterested and don’t care about who you are meeting. Always maintain eye contact when being introduced

 2. Making overly personal comments: When introducing someone to a group you should give a piece of information about them. Avoid alluding to divorce, job loss, illness or any sensitive topic. Instead stick to their job title, where they work or what field they’re in. You can even indicate how you met them.

3. Interrupting: Don’t break in to a conversation or simply force yourself into one. Wait until you are introduced to the group or brought in to the conversation.

4. Deferring to one person: Avoid speaking only to one person and ignoring the others in the group. This behaviour is especially prevalent in groups of 3, and makes the person being ignored feel awkward. Make sure you engage with everyone in your group and at least make eye contact and acknowledge people you are not immediately speaking to.

5. Overly enthusiastic introductions: It’s always nice to highlight something positive about the person you are introducing but keep it within reason. Don’t introduce colleagues or clients with superfluous introductions as these tend to embarrass people. Avoid using phrases such as “the smartest person at our firm” “the greatest” “ the most accomplished”  “ the most amazing” etc. These come off as unprofessional and a little immature.

6. Making someone wait to be introduced: Introduce any newcomers to the group immediately, making people wait causes them to feel left out, embarrassed and awkward.

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting