How to Be a Global Citizen at Work - The Muse

How to Be a Global Citizen at Work - The MuseHow to Be a Global Citizen at WorkA weltweit citizen is someone who identifies with being part of an emerging world community and whose actions contribute to building this communitys values and practices.The Global Citizens aktionYou may have heard the terms global citizenship or citizen of the world in your companys mission statement, during work meetings, or in ad campaigns. Global citizenship is an increasingly common idea Universities use the term to promote global awareness and international education, and geschftliches miteinanderes use it to highlight their commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability around the world. Its also a movement that uses online activism and social media worldwide to work toward ending global poverty. Specifically, as a professional, global citizenship can benefit your personal and company brand, increase the growth and scope of your work, and help you connect with colleagues and build partnerships around the world. But, how do you take such a complex concept and implement it in your daily 9-to-5 life?Ive learned that the essence of global citizenship is about finding global solutions to major social issues and developing a greater understanding of the world. But since thats still a pretty broad task, here are four ways you can work toward global citizenship on a daily basis- and get ahead in your career at the same time.1. Discover a Cause You Care AboutPart of the reason that companies adopt the idea of global citizenship is because it allows them- and their employees- to support a variety issues, make an impact, and understand their greater role in the world. But to do that as an employee, you must become knowledgeable about the issues that matter to you.If youre not already aware of a social cause that you care about, start by learning more about whats going on in the world and getting familiar with a few causes or issues that resonate with you. To do that, yo u can use social media to follow a variety of organizations, volunteer with local nonprofits to learn about the issues firsthand, or join meetups or social groups that take part in local causes. Once you know what you support, you dont have to wear your cause on your sleeve- there are plenty of ways to participate in and talk about the cause without being overbearing. For example, its easy to work into a conversation with a co-worker that youre supporting a particular crowdfunding campaign, running in a charity 5K, or going to a happy hour that benefits your chosen cause after work. This is a great way to both be a global citizen and build relationships at work. Related 5 Ways to Get Involved in a Cause You Care About 2. Be a Social EntrepreneurSocial entrepreneurship- developing innovative solutions to social problems- is one of the pillars of global citizenship. Many companies have launched initiatives with the intention of both making an impact and growing their international b rands. The idea behind TOMS, for example, is that the company will help a person in need for every product sold. Once youre knowledgeable about the issues that matter to you or your company, think about how you might start something new to contribute to those issues- whether its a short-term project, like a fundraising event or an employee workshop, or something bigger, like launching a startup, a nonprofit, or a new socially conscious product line. You can also get involved in smaller ways, too. As an individual, you can be a part of something just as impactful by getting civically engaged with an existing project or taking on a leadership role with a local organization. Anything that allows you to have an impact on world issues you care about. Related How to Have a Real Impact in Your Career or Life 3. Network on a Global ScaleNetworking is one of the key ideas of global citizenship. But networking in the United States is completely different than networking in Japan or Norway. W ould you have the knowledge to navigate the cultural and professional differences if such a foreign networking opportunity came up? The good news is, you dont necessarily have to go abroad to practice this skill. Its about building relationships, striving toward common goals, navigating conflict, understanding differences, being able to work with others, and occasionally putting yourself out there when others wont.So, consider every cocktail reception, conference, or work dinner as a chance to bring out your global citizenship A-game. For example, if you recognize your clients may not feel comfortable conducting business in a bar because they come from a country where alcohol is prohibited (or maybe they just dont partake in it as a personal choice), find an environment that is comfortable for everyone. In other cases, international colleagues may expect to have a coffee break every hour, so its important to build in room and flexibility for that. Its all about being able to make pe ople from all over the world (including your own local colleagues) comfortable. Related From Mexico to Korea What its Like to Work Around the World 4. Develop Sustainable SolutionsGlobal citizenship requires that people stay engaged and committed to their goals over the long term. That means even if it takes years to build your organization, pass a law, or raise the money you need, you stick with it. Most movements wont achieve change overnight, but they can still make a huge impact as you work toward that goal. Many of the eight jahrtausend Development goals, for example, have not been met completely, but there have been vast improvements in gender equality, maternal health, and education for girls around the world because of that project- and the progress will continue until all the goals are achieved. Its fairly easy to solve problems in the short term- but can you make those solutions last? Whenever you start a project or implement a solution in your company, think about the c hanging landscape of your field, the flexibility that may need to be factored in, and what the impact over time will be. No matter how big or small the project, consider the how you will see it all the way through to completion. Related 20 Crucial Questions to Ask Before Working for a Social Good Organization Global citizenship is a philosophy that doesnt have to be an out-of-reach goal or some public relations jargon- its an excellent way to advance your skills, build new partnerships and create awesome new opportunities as a citizen of the world.Photo of airplane around world courtesy of Shutterstock.