Archive for Don Southerton

Open Communications Korea Facing 2019

November 10, 2019 Korean Business Culture Comments Off on Open Communications Korea Facing 2019

Open Communications…

Checking emails at 2:30 AM.

Trying to not doze off and miss a late evening phone or Facebook Message call.

Responding early morning to a previous evening’s urgent Text.

This week we look at some of the new challenges as we’re finding more open and direct communications between Korean HQ and local teams. This is more and more commonly surfacing for teams.

Waking up to a rather lengthy request for revisions on a multi-page document that the Korean team needs to finalize as is due that day in Korea.

Open communications Korea facing business
Don Southerton

By its very nature, Korean facing business is the interaction of worldwide teams operating in different zones—with Korea and North America—their working days beginning as our ends and visa versa.

Beyond the different cultures globally working together on a daily basis, which I speak of often, we have seen the advancements in telecommunications as well as more open communications between working-level teams in the West and Korea.

(BTW I can recall a time when an international call between the US and Korea was not only costly but few Korean office landlines even had international access.)

That said, it’s now common for Staff in Korea to now pick up their mobile phone and reach out via an app for a one on one with a western team member. This contrasts with the old model where all communication between HQ and local subsidiaries went through and was screened by the local expatriate team.

The new model is not without its challenges.

For one, email requests often need clarification and even a message received in the AM in the West with hopes that by the end of day (morning in Korea) there will be substantial progress—without some clarity—little may have been accomplished.

More so, even if a request is made—local teams are often stretched thin—and any new workload can be seen as overwhelming.

Also common are End of Day requests—again sent at the beginning of the day in Korea—but received as the day is wrapping up in the West. In contrast for an expat team their “second day” often begins around 4-5 PM as the Korean HQ is back on-line and their work often running late into the evening—but for western employees working late is most often not an option.

I do have a number of work-arounds—most the result of nearly 20 years working directly with teams and leadership in Korea.

Here I share two among my long list many proven cross-culture approaches and solutions.

Hint 1

In the case of a last-minute request or a request that may require more clarity and/or substantial research….

As I learned from a senior Korean executive, in many cases Korea often requests local input so teams and leadership can finalize an important decision. They are aware of time restraints and that a comprehensive response could take days. Noting that they are looking for some input, even input limited in scope, that may help sway their decision—pro or con.

Hint 2

In the case of a request and not wishing to seem uncooperative—but unable to respond as requested due to commitments and workload….

Given my experience in dealing with urgent HQ request as noted in Hint 1, I suggest sharing with the Korean team that you’d be happy to assist but you’ll need additional time due to current deadlines, end of day, etc.

As a caveat, I always ask for their timeline and then share some options on when you may be able to assist. I have found what is assumed to be an urgent request often does have flexibility.

In closing, I feel the move to more open and direct communications between HQ and the local team is quite positive. It is not without its challenges as we learn to adapt, build relationships and work within the restraints in time difference, life balance and work hours.

I look forward to your thoughts and comments. Again, if needed I can share more regarding proven cross-culture approaches and solutions.

Don Southerton https://www.bridgingculture.com

Habit Burger Grill Sets Sights on Korea

October 26, 2019 Global Business Comments Off on Habit Burger Grill Sets Sights on Korea

Proud to announce The Habit Burget Grill Looks to South Korea! Interested? Contact me at dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com


The Habit Burger Grill (Nasdaq: HABT) is setting its sights on South Korea as the next international growth target as the burger-centric restaurant concept continues its steady march abroad. To support its expansion plans, The Habit has partnered with the experienced business development consulting firm, Bridging Culture Worldwide to attract multi-unit franchise development companies.

“South Korea, with its savvy consumers, open minded culture and interest in global brands is an ideal marketplace for The Habit Burger Grill’s expansion,” said John Phillips, The Habit Burger Grill’s Chief Global Business Partnership Officer. “The people of South Korea appreciate quality food and enjoy the fast-casual experience. We look forward to working with Bridging Culture Worldwide to find the right franchise partner to ensure our mutual success.”

The Habit Burger Grill’s entry into the South Korea marks the next phase in a larger international expansion plan. Bridging Culture Worldwide will help The Habit lead its expansion into the broader Asia-Pacific region. The consulting, strategic planning and market entry service is excited to join this venture.

“South Korea has embraced premium Western brands and The Habit Burger Grill delivers exactly what consumers are seeking – great food and excellent service. With their distinctive fresh off the grill Charburger and hand-crafted sandwiches, fresh salads and other menu items, we know South Korea will appreciate all that The Habit Burger Grill has to offer,” said Don Southerton, Bridging Culture Worldwide’s Founder and CEO.

Better burgers are just the beginning at The Habit where the menu also includes hand-cut salads, grilled sandwiches including line-caught, sushi grade ahi tuna, fresh chicken, and hand-filleted marinated grilled tri-tip, and sides including onion rings, sweet potato and French fries, and tempura green beans. Guests can choose from a variety of peppers, lemons, limes, and sauces at a complimentary condiment bar to customize the flavor of their meal.

Habit Burger Grill

The Habit Restaurants, Inc.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, The Habit Burger Grill is a burger-centric, fast casual restaurant concept that specializes in preparing fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers and handcrafted sandwiches featuring USDA choice tri-tip, grilled chicken and sushi-grade ahi tuna cooked over an open flame. In addition, it features fresh made-to-order salads and an appealing selection of sides, shakes and malts. The Habit was named the “best tasting burger in America” in July 2014 in a comprehensive survey conducted by one of America’s leading consumer magazines. The first Habit opened in Santa Barbara, California in 1969 and was most recently named the winner of USA Today’s 10Best in Regional Fast Food. The Habit has since grown to over 265 restaurants in 12 states throughout Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington as well as six international locations. More information is available at www.habitburger.com.

About Bridging Culture Worldwide
Founded by Don Southerton, Bridging Culture Worldwide provides targeted market entry, strategy, and consulting to Korea-based global businesses as well as support for major western firms entering Korea.

With a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country, Southerton has researched and authored numerous publications with topics centering on the creative culture lifestyle, the Korean auto industry, new urbanism, entrepreneurialism, and U.S.-Korean business ventures.

Southerton has been a contributor to The Economist, Branding in Asia, Automotive News, the BBC, CNN Fortune, Korea Times, Yonhap, Korea Herald, tbs eFM, Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. To learn more, go to www.bridgingculture.com.

Global Collaboration: an cultural approach

September 29, 2019 Commentary Comments Off on Global Collaboration: an cultural approach

Short 2-minute video on Global Collaboration: an early stage cultural savvy approach.  Timely as so many JVs, MOUs and partnerships. 

Questions? Comments? Inquiries?

mailto: dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

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Today is an exciting day

September 17, 2019 Commentary Comments Off on Today is an exciting day

Today is an exciting day for me. I just launched my Patreon page.

Staying on top of Korea facing business issues and breaking news that impacts you makes a large demand on my time.

Today is an exciting day
Don Southerton

The research, analysis, writing, and delivering the best content possible to you every week has become a full-time job.

In order to continue providing the very best content I can, I could really use your help. I feel Patreon is a great option to offset the costs. If you aren’t familiar with Patreon, it’s an easy way for those interested in my work to see new exclusive content and have access to a range of my services.

100% of all funds contributed through Patreon will be used to cover my bandwidth, so I can focus on creating great content. As a friend, I wanted to share the news with you before promoting more widely.

So, if it feels right to you, anything you or the company contribute is most appreciated. With each tier there are some cool benefits, too.

Here’s the link and how to participate. https://www.patreon.com/EverythingKorea

Don

Chuseok Korean Harvest Moon Festival

September 8, 2019 Uncategorized Comments Off on Chuseok Korean Harvest Moon Festival

It’s that time of the year with Chuseok, (the Korean Harvest Moon Festival) right around the corner.

This year, Chuseok will be observed Sept. 12-14, with the holiday on Friday, and the day before and after celebrated as National Holidays, too.

Chuseok Korean Harvest Moon Festival)

Koreans, like many agrarian cultures, once followed the lunar calendar, but in recent history, they have deferred to the solar calendar in line with international practice.

While public holidays are based on the solar calendar, there are a few days that are celebrated based on the lunar calendar.

These are the two most important traditional holidays, the Korean New Year’s Day (the first day of the first lunar month) and Chuseok, the Harvest Moon Festival (fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month).

En mass a substantial part of the population travel. For many, this means going back to their home villages. Over the holiday they perform ancestral rituals at the graves of relatives as well as share time with their family over traditional foods. Others may opt to travel overseas, or a popular trend has been to staycation in a luxury hotel.

For your Korean colleagues (in Korea), you can wish them a happy Chuseok while they are still in their office, so this coming Tuesday, September 11 in the West (which will be Wednesday AM in Korea).

Again, for most Koreans the holiday break will begin Wednesday Korea time at the end of day through the weekend. Some may take extra days off that week.

For expat Koreans working outside Korea, you can wish them happy Chuseok on the actual holiday, Friday September 13.

If you’d like to try, here’s a common greeting:

Chuseok jal ji nae sae yo.

Happy Chuseok works fine, too.

Even though many things have been changed by Korea’s rapid industrialization, urbanization, and globalization we find in the celebration of Chuseok that family remains one of the bedrocks of Korean society.

Please read!
I hope you find value in my Korea facing updates and analysis; information that impacts you, your teams, and company. Staying on top of the issues and breaking news makes large demands on my time. With so much transition currently underway in Korea and within their global organizations we’ll actually see an acceleration in change—one all will find challenging, Koreans and Westerners.

In order to continue providing the very best content and insights, I could really use your help. Frankly this means making sure we are engaged throughout the year with either one of my onboarding, mentoring and coaching programs, the Korea 101 workshops, or as a trusted advisor.

Your voice and support matters and is much appreciated.

Don

Korean Business Talking Points

July 6, 2019 Commentary Comments Off on Korean Business Talking Points

Korean business and talking points. American holidays allow me to step back, see what I may be missing, take a deep breath and uncover the best solutions to current challenges. My goal is to provide frank insights and pro-active recommendations. Below are a couple of helpful talking points.

Talking Point #1
As with all individuals, no two of us are alike—and the same goes for westerners and Koreans …. Each has his or her unique cultural workplace strengths, skills, and experiences.

That said, one topic I constantly revisit is the assumption that executives and teams engaged in Korea facing business will simply “get it” and “learn as they go.” Without ongoing coaching, this common default seldom works. More damaging is that some team members without support and mentoring may “never get it.”

Arguments that such support can wait often come with a price tag—missteps along the way, poor productivity, and miscommunications.

Push back attributed to the costs for support is often cited, too, as well as what appears to be dismissing or delaying any action until there is a real unavoidable need. The later, can range from denial with hopes that things will work out—to concealing these issues because they might reflect poorly on some in local management. Again, regardless such hopes to dismiss and not engage fail to recognize what I see as decades of history to the contrary.

Talking Point #2
Most non-Korean executives employed to run Korean business divisions are veterans of their industry. They know the business. They are experts. Sadly, they can know little of Korean business and/or feel their past work knowledge is sufficient.

Even more significant, I found that some feel that given time, they will get Koreans to do business their way following the model and methods they polished and acquired working for other firms—often Japanese or German.

Contrary to this hope and recognizing the considerable work practices and corporate structure changes underway in Korea, such as dress codes, fewer hierarchical titles, and a more balanced workday, I do not see Korean firms changing much in their core and deeply rooted business values and processes. More so, American, German, or Japanese business practices like Korean are rooted in their own respective intrinsic cultures.

My suggestion for division executives eager to bring change is to first become fully versed in Korean methods. Learn about the company and their partners. Learn how Koreans manage. Drill deep.

This learning does not occur without considerable insight, mentoring and coaching. In turn, once this ground work is completed, I have found and can offer some sound approaches for introducing new business methods and practices without push back.

In both cases…
Ongoing support of non-Korean management is a must for all Korea facing organizations. Mentoring and coaching is the key. Experience and skills vary, so support must be tailored to address individual needs.

More significant, mentoring requires a deep mutual understanding of both Korean and western business, not to mention the specific Western and Korea-based firms and the industry in general.

I look forward to answering any questions and providing recommendations.

Don https://www.bridgingculture.com

A Measured Displeasure: North Korea

May 13, 2019 Commentary Comments Off on A Measured Displeasure: North Korea
a measured displeasure

North Korea and a Measured Displeasure?. There is always some concern among Western teams when North Korea saber rattles… I will try to give some perspective.

I see no need for alarm even amidst a new round of missile launches and an alert by the North for “full-combat posture.”

Having followed North Korea since 1989 including a mix of academic work, friendships with some of the top experts on North Korea, as well as watching the more recent Trump-Kim talks… I’ve always felt any negotiations with the North seem like two steps forward, and one step back — not to mention North Korea is skilled at brinkmanship.

My take on the latest missile launches is that the North appears to be demonstrating measured displeasure with the breakdown in talks following the February Hanoi summit between leader Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump. 

The North also seems to be determined to put pressure on South Korea and Washington for the resumption of dialogue. Missle launches do get our attention. 

For North Korea resumption of high-level Trump- Kim talks are the key to getting sanctions lifted, which is much needed for North Korea’s struggling economy.

And finally, resumption would help Kim show his leadership — many feel his failed efforts in Hanoi were damaging…including loss of face.

Questions? Comments? mailto:dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Check out https://bridgingculture.com

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Korea May 2019 Update: Holidays

April 27, 2019 Commentary Comments Off on Korea May 2019 Update: Holidays

Just a reminder as Korea has some May 2019 holidays coming up…

In South Korea, May 1st is known simply as “Workers’ Day,” a paid holiday under the Designation of Workers’ Day Act.

A National Holiday, Children’s Day falls on a Sunday May 5. In 2019, Monday, May 6 will be celebrated as the holiday. Workers get a day off work and children get a day off school. 

Families make an extra effort to do something special on Children’s Day. Parents will often take their children somewhere special and treat them to snacks or ice cream. Theme parks, zoos, and historic sites are popular places for Koreans to take their children, too.

This year Buddha’s Birthday, a National Holiday, falls on Sunday, May 12. Buddha’s Birthday is not only an important and auspicious day for the nation’s practicing Buddhists (a religious group that makes up approximately one fifth of South Korea’s population), but it is also a public holiday that is widely celebrated across the country. 

Festivities surround the holiday and Buddhist temples are transformed into kaleidoscopes of color–vibrantly colored, lotus-shaped lanterns hung throughout. 

Korea May 2019 Update: Holidays
Buddha’s Birthday

Questions, Comments?  Here as always. 

Don https://www.bridgingculture.com

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A Korea Q & A, Part 2 Video Chat

April 13, 2019 Commentary Comments Off on A Korea Q & A, Part 2 Video Chat
Don Southerton

This Part 2 Korea Q & A looks at how to offset the unexpected.

In many cases, leadership and team do need direct support. I want to strongly encourage you to reach out to me. At least for a neutral second opinion. Best, too, to engage early, and not put off until issues escalate or go sideways. Waiting rarely makes things better. 

Call, text, Message or email and we can discuss.mailto:Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Don https://www.bridgingculture.com

A working with Korea Q&A

April 9, 2019 Commentary Comments Off on A working with Korea Q&A
working with Korea

Question?  Don, working with Korea, how can we ensure projects stay on track amid changes and forces from outside of our control.  

Answer. Great question. I will answer in two parts, in this posting, Part 1. 

First, the short answer is it’s critical to stay aware and sensitive to not only the scope of the project but the broader circumstances that could impact the work.  One needs a 360 vs. a very linear mindset. In many cases, my work is providing this insight—honed over decades—more art than science.  

Next, have countermeasures as options already in place. 

To elaborate on both points…

Pondering on the question, it made me reflect on within the Korean workplace that the most savvy, long term staff and executives are both highly intuitive, sensitive and vigilant to all that goes on around them. They read situations and adapt accordingly. Little gets by them. In particular, they even anticipate senior leadership’s next moves. More so, without such a skill set few ever get to an executive level.  

As a best practice, they also plan accordingly with countermeasures in place for all projects. In Korean   we call this  miri miri…(Pronounced me re me re). It can be translated as preparing ahead of time and in advance.  It is in contrast to doing things at the last minute and then having to go balli balli. 

Bottom line, look beyond the surface to gain insights into what may impact projects, assume some road bumps head, develop countermeasures, and be ready to execute quickly.

In Part 2,  I will discuss how even the best-laid plans can get blindsided. As always, need support? Need context and a 360 viewpoint? I am open to new projects and engagements, too.  


Call, text, or email and we can discuss.

https://www.bridgingculture.com

mailto:dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com
Don

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