Recently, I had the opportunity to work on a project in South Africa, a country rich in culture, history, and diversity. This experience was both enlightening and challenging, offering profound insights into leadership, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of adaptability in a globalized world.
One of the key challenges I encountered was working with teams who, while highly skilled in performing clear, sequential tasks, struggled with autonomy when faced with unexpected changes. This wasn’t a reflection of their capabilities but rather a result of historical and cultural factors, including the legacy of Apartheid, which impacted education systems and skill development for many. For example, abstract reasoning, time management, and problem-solving in non-routine situations were areas where gaps existed.
To bridge these gaps, I leaned heavily on my experience in lean manufacturing, adapting tools and processes to fit the local context.
Here’s what worked:
- Visual Instructions: I created digital work instructions with photos to make tasks as clear and accessible as possible.
- Standardization: I streamlined processes and equipment to minimize the need for autonomy and reduce the learning curve.
- Checklists with Photos: These ensured critical tasks were completed and provided traceability.
- “I Do, We Do, You Do” Training: This method allowed for gradual skill-building, starting with demonstrations, followed by guided practice, and ending with independent mastery.
- Training Videos: I filmed and shared videos online, making them accessible on workers’ devices for ongoing reference.
Language barriers also played a role. While most South Africans are bilingual or trilingual, my English accent and terminology sometimes caused confusion. I quickly learned to double-check understanding, use visual aids, and rely on closed-loop feedback to ensure clarity. This was a humbling reminder of the importance of clear communication and the need to adapt my approach to fit the local context.
This experience taught me valuable lessons about leadership, patience, and the importance of cultural awareness. It was frustrating at times, as I had to slow down and invest more time than anticipated to ensure understanding and mastery. But it was also deeply rewarding. I learned to appreciate the South African approach to life—more relaxed, more human, and less driven by the relentless pace I was accustomed to.
In conclusion, working in South Africa was a reminder that leadership is not about imposing your way of doing things but about adapting to the realities of the people you work with. It’s about finding ways to empower others, bridge gaps, and create systems that work for everyone.
This experience has not only made me a better professional but also a more empathetic and culturally aware individual.
To anyone working in a culturally diverse environment, my advice is this: Be patient, be humble, and always assume there’s more to learn. The rewards are worth the effort. Have you had any similar experiences you’d like to share?
#Leadership #LeanManufacturing #CulturalAwareness #SouthAfrica #GlobalTeamwork #Adaptability #ProfessionalGrowth
Through Yinsight, I support companies, their managers and teams in their development with a view to achieving tangible performance that respects people. Creating strategy, working on collective values, aligning teams, managing complexity and interpersonal dynamics, and providing individual and collective support for transformation are at the heart of my work.