Review of "Raising Global Children" by Stacie Nevadomski Berdan and Marshall S. Berdan

Following is another long overdue book review that I've been wanting to write about but family life just hasn't allowed for it. The bright side for me is that I've also read this book twice since receiving it just over two years ago.

Raising Global Children by Stacie Nevadomski Berdan (published by ACTFL) and Marshall S. Berdan is a wonderful book and one that I'm thankful to have in my personal home library.  I received the book (my copy is signed!) back in March 2014 while having dinner in New York City with Stacie during the IIE 'Generation Study Abroad’ Think Tank that I was invited to and Stacie was facilitating.

It's a wonderful book and one that anyone raising children today needs to add to their nightstand.  My wife and I strive to raise global children.  While we work to add as many stamps as possible to our children's passports we work hard to instill a global mindset as well.  Raising Global Children is an excellent resources and one that I have found much value in and one that has challenged me to think of new and creative ways to think about global mindedness.  The Table of Contents follows:

Introduction

Chapter 1: A World of Change
Chapter 2: What Raising Global Children Means
Chapter 3: Building a Launch Pad: How to Prepare Children to Become Global
Chapter 4: Teaching Language: "Switching On" the Global Mindset
Chapter 5: Exploring Culture: Having Fun with Global Food, Music, Books, and Friends
Chapter 6: Learning Through Travel: Broadening Minds at Home and Abroad
Chapter 7: Helping Teens Further Their Global Mindset
Chapter 8: Advocating for Raising Global Children

You purchase can learn more about Raising Global Children via Stacie's website here and while you are there check out her other books and you may also wish to consider bringing Stacie in as a speaker or consultant.

Disclaimer:  Aside from receiving a copy of Raising Global Children I receive no other compensation.

Review of "Global Dexterity: How to Adapt Your Behavior Across Cultures without Losing Yourself in the Process" by Andy Molinsky

This is a much delayed review post of the book "Global Dexterity: How to Adapt Your Behavior Across Cultures without Losing Yourself in the Process" (published by Harvard Business Review Press) written by Andy Molinsky.

I've had Global Dexterity for two years now and while life events have prevented me from writing a review for IHEC Blog the time allowed me to find time to read it twice.  It's a fantastic book on one that I keep in the International Programs Office library at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and I recommend to many of the MBA students I meet with to talk about their international exchange program interests.  I have found Global Dexterity to be very helpful to me in my international travels!

Andy Molinsky is a Professor of International Management and Organizational Behavior at Brandeis University's International Business School and he is an expert on the challenges people experience when adapting to foreign settings.  Molinsky defines global dexterity as "the capacity to adapt your behavior, when necessary, in a foreign cultural environment to accommodate new and different expectations that vary from those of your native cultural setting".

Global Dexterity is an easy read and one that is accessible to people from all cultural backgrounds and is broken down into three parts.  The Table of Contents follows:

Part One

Why Global Dexterity Matters

1. Introduction to Global Dexterity

2. Psychological Challenges of Developing Global Dexterity

Part Two

How to Develop Your Own Global Dexterity

3. Diagnose the New Cultural Code

4. Identify Your Own Challenges with the New Cultural Code

5. Overcome Challenges by Customizing Your Cultural Behavior

6. Integrate What You Have Learned Through Rehearsal and Evaluation

Part Three

Fine-Tuning Your Global Dexterity

7. Charting Your Progress Over Time

8. Getting Others to Forgive Your Cultural Mistakes

9. Finding a Cultural Mentor

10. Choosing Whether or Not to Adapt Your Behavior

Conclusion: The Myth and Reality of Adapting Behavior Across Cultures

The most valuable part of Global Dexterity for me is the second chapter on "Psychological Challenges of Developing Global Dexterity".  Molinsky's first statements in this chapter really hit home with me and it is this chapter that really captured my attention.  Molinsky states that "many people assume that knowledge is the key to intercultural success.  But mere knowledge about cultural differences is not enough to be successful abroad. You need to be able to transfer that knowledge into action." and he is so right.  The book really makes one reflect and the book only gets better as you read on.

Global Dexterity will be of interest and value to everyone who crosses international borders for personal travel, study/research and business and is a book that I fully recommend without reservation!  You can purchase your copy today (at a very nice price) via Powell's here.

Disclaimer:  Aside from receiving a copy of the book I receive no compensation or any privileges from the review of Global Dexterity.

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