Dear Lisa:
I am working with a company that is sending me to Asia in the next few months. I know that in business women are not highly regarded, but my job relies heavily on the success of this trip. What should I know about the Asian culture and women in business?
J.S.
New York, New York
It is true that women often face more hurdles than men during international travels. If you are traveling in a small group, the group can play a large part to support you. Here a few suggestions:
- Before showing up, send a list to your counterparts of who will be attending, with titles and a description of the authority held.
- Your job is to make it very clear that you are boss!
- Make sure your business card is translated and that, again, it is very clear that you are the ranking representative.
- When important questions are addressed to the others in the group, your colleagues should immediately refer those question to you, or make it clear that you will need to be consulted.
- Find out how introductions should take place. In many countries of the world, who introduces who, and when, are key in helping others understand the hierarchy.
- Find out how seating arrangements are made, to ensure you sit in the appropriate position.
