The missing link

brand new sign in parking lot

Thank you to those who expressed their opinion on the question of Thailand's top priority around AEC 2015, but no, I still don't think the mastery of the English language is the number one priority for Thailand. I have to admit (see at right) that it is sometimes discouraging to see the basics hopelessly missed !  

I think that the key competencies that nearly all Thais are struggling with are problem analysis/solving/proposing and standing up for and expressing their ideas. Both competencies are not developed through the educational system and cultural upbringings, and it makes for Thai employees being not good at them and not comfortable with them.

With problem analysis/solving/proposing, I mean the different steps of logical analysis, comparing possible options to progress, thinking about the what-if scenarios or the next steps, and finally proposing a path to resolution. As a young engineer, it is quite OK and normal to wait for and follow that the manager is proposing as the next step. But growing up in the organization means new competencies are required. Taking the lead in solving problems and defining the direction to be taken is what is required of a leader.  

Standing up for and expressing one's ideas is something most ASEAN professionals have no issue with. In fact, some even go to other extremes and talk a bit too much about all the good stuff they are doing: debating or expressing opposing ideas is enjoyed as a creative outlet for their thinking. For most Thais however, situations where ideas are opposed, even if that is the normal course of problem solving, are avoided, even more so with people in authority or with experience. Yet the people in authority these days expect their managers to be more upfront and open with ideas and input.  Thais prefer to stay on friendly terms with everybody at work. The line between work and out-of-work relationships is blurred, and professional friction or simple disagreement at work is for most seen as impacting the out-of-work relationship.

There is no magical solution. There is no single training course or team building session that will compensate for the years of education and cultural fundamentals. The first step towards solution is for the expat manager to be aware of the root causes of this situation. Even if Thais are willing to improve, they simply are not open to be out of their comfort zone. It is only exposure and experience that will allow some to be more comfortable in problem analysis and expressing freely their ideas. Participating in Toastmasters sessions is a good method to make progress.

In my experience in Asia, I have seen professionals from other countries in ASEAN very comfortable with these skills, and I think this is the real area where Thai managers need to step up if they want to compete in the new economic ASEAN that will be created in 2015. This is more critical than a few mistakes in the English language.