I have worked in places where migrants have been managed differently and I did notice that it made a direct impact on my productivity.

Now after almost 7 years in the new country (NZ), things are definitely different. I have got a team of 5 testers form 5 different countries and the rule of personal(80%) : business (20%) really works for me. The other advantage I have here is that kiwi culture is a bit on the perssonal side as well. That in a way makes it easier to maintain the balance and have similar working/managing style for both.

Thanks for the post.

Merry Christmas.

Beautiful post — thank you!

It reminded me of a project a few years ago where IBM had brought half a dozen programmers from India to work in Toronto for a few months with a mostly local team of programmers and testers. Apart from being seriously cold in our winter, the visitors were homesick and suffering from culture shock. Yet I remember that on two occasions, when a team member returned from a brief visit home, each brought back a little present for everyone else on the team. It was both touching and an eye-opener. Not at all what we Canadians would have done in the same circumstances, and it helped us to connect in a way we hadn’t before.

True story …I took JLS to Navy bootcamp and they told me I could only keep a bible when they went thru my stuff. I told them it WAS my bible and they let me keep it. Our bootcamp company flag had a seagull on it traced from the pages.

I, too, am a QA Manager who lost her entire staff due to an outsourcing effort. It was very difficult to see the staff that I’d grown to love, be so devalued. Not only were they losing their jobs, they were expected to train the people that were replacing them. Though they were understandably demotivated, I have great respect for the professionalism with which they carried out this task.

I’ve learned that they key to successful teams, regardless of nationality or culture, is through the heart. Underneath, we are all people who want to be valued for the unique talents we bring to the table. As a leader, if you take the time to discover those talents and build mutual trust and respect, the team will do great things.

Your narration is fantastic. Your post should be an eye opener to all those who do business with india, indian people. This also says how a manager who is sensitive and open to learn can transform the project, organization and the community.

Good post .. keep writing more on these lines

Shrini

Great, thoughtful post. It was really enjoyable to read. I’m with Lanette; please post more good stuff!

- Justin