Working with individuals and ideas from cultures different from our own is complex, and filled with opportunities to misunderstand and offend everyone involved. It requires time to develop trust and understanding for all the players involved.
Take the time to learn how and why business is done in the country. Don’t judge the results or methods based upon your culture and your country’s standards.
There is nothing more damaging to an international relationship than criticism based upon a lack of understanding.
We must learn before we attempt to teach and implement new ideas, strategies and procedures.
When doing business in Mexico remember that no matter what you feel or believe about your company’s products or procedures, Mexicans know their market and people better than you do. They understand the correct business etiquette and the “invisible” cultural nuances that are required in order to do business in Mexico.
If you enter into business in Mexico with the idea that you are going to “teach the Mexicans how business is really done” I am confident you will suffer some serious problems.
Pushing procedures and business strategies into Mexico will surely cause divisions, it can turn into an “us versus them” situation for employees and customers.
I recommend that your focus be on learning and understanding how business in currently done in Mexico, and why.
Once you have this knowledge, teach and explore your cultures and organizations solutions and strategies with your Mexican collaborators. I’ll bet the ideas will get modified if necessary, implemented and embraced quickly.
The creation of hybrid strategies, using elements from both cultures, will guarantee unification and understanding for everyone involved.
Before you start a revolution it’s essential to fully understand the status quo.