When your boss looks serious and stressed, it’s not because she does not like you, care for or respect you. She is just focusing on doing her own job.
You will probably never see your boss doing nothing, staring out the window, or reading the newspaper in the office.
Don’t wait for that moment because it will never come.
If you want to talk to the boss and the office door is open, you are welcome to disturb by knocking on the door panel or simply saying,
“Knock-knock, boss, do you have time?”
Foreign managers from Western countries may prioritize direct communication, while those from Asian backgrounds might value subtlety and harmony.
Respect for hierarchy and authority may also vary, so being observant and adaptive to your boss’s preferences will help you adjust to their management style.
Working with a foreign boss can be an enriching experience that opens doors for professional growth, personal development, and cross-cultural understanding.
By being adaptable, clear in communication, and respectful of cultural differences, you can thrive in these international work environments.
Ultimately, mutual respect, flexibility, and a willingness to learn are the keys to fostering a successful relationship with a foreign boss in Thailand.
Ask questions if you don’t know
A modern-style boss will not be angry with you if you ask a question when you don’t know or you don’t understand something.
In fact, many bosses, both Thai and foreign, appreciate your asking questions, as it shows you are interested in and committed to learning.
Be respectful of boss’ time
Foreign bosses, especially those from Western countries, typically have a fast-paced work approach and can be more direct with their requests and demands.
They may also have a different attitude toward time and deadlines compared to Thai cultural norms.
Be punctual and meet deadlines, please. No excuses.
You know it rains in the rainy season. So please don’t use that excuse when you arrive late at the office. The yellow card is coming.
If a task is not going to be completed on time, communicate it early and provide a valid reason.
Foreign bosses appreciate transparency and efficiency, so being organized and respectful of their time is crucial.
Adapt to different decision-making styles
In Thailand, decision-making might be more hierarchical, with respect given to seniority.
However, foreign bosses, especially those from Western companies, may have a more collaborative decision-making approach.
Try to understand how decisions are made in your workplace.
If your foreign boss prefers a more democratic style, make sure to voice your opinions and contribute ideas during meetings.
On the other hand, if they tend to make decisions independently, respect that process while providing input when appropriate.
Respect Work-Life balance
While working hard is essential, many foreign bosses emphasize the importance of work-life balance.
They may be more inclined to support employees taking time off for personal reasons and not working excessively long hours.
Understand and respect your boss’s view on work-life balance. Or just ask what it is.
Avoid overworking unless necessary, and be sure to take breaks to recharge. Not using your annual vacation is not loyalty to your company. It’s shooting yourself in the foot.
It can also be helpful to clearly communicate when you’re unavailable due to personal reasons, showing a healthy balance between work and life.
If you disagree, speak out
Please speak out when you disagree with the boss’s idea or instruction, especially about the deadline or implementation details.
Be pleasant and straightforward.
Do not nod your head and say YES when you don’t mean it.
- If you realize that you cannot deliver what you have promised on time, you should immediately tell the boss.
- Do not wait for the boss to ask how you are doing with the project.
- Do not wait until 1 minute before your deadline to tell the boss you are not ready as promised.
Speaking out immediately when you run into challenges will give all involved the chance to make alternative plans, to assist you or if necessary to extend the deadline.
Be specific and don’t beat around the bush
We have a tendency to beat around the bush. It’s hard for us to talk about problems in a straightforward or direct manner.
Don’t talk about the difficulty of communicating in English. Even in Thai, too many people beat around the bush until everyone is confused.
We may need to be more specific in our communications, both in speaking and writing.
The trigger to tell us that we are not specific enough is when you are asked repeatedly:
“What do you mean by that?”
If you hear that question four or five times in one conversation, the chances are that you are not being specific enough.
Many foreigners will tell you: Please come to me with solutions, don’t come with only a problem.’
Keep boss and others up-to-date
Most bosses want to know how their subordinates’ work is progressing. Report progress and regularly provide updates.
However frequently your boss wants to be updated, provide information that fits his preferred communication style – email, memos, face-to-face talks or phone calls.
Ask the boss directly which style he prefers or ask the secretary or a close colleague of the boss.
Admit your mistakes now
When mistakes happen, the natural tendency is to cover them up. We don’t want people to know, particularly the boss.
However, if you tell the boss early that a mistake has been made, it is much easier to take corrective action than if you bottle it up for days, during which time the problem could get worse.
Don’t take constructive criticism personally.
Instead, view it as an opportunity to improve your skills.
Be receptive to feedback and ask for guidance on how you can do better. This approach will show that you are serious about your professional development and committed to your role.
Good morning and bye-bye
In Western culture, colleagues always greet each other with “good morning,” “good afternoon,” or some other form of greeting.
Without a good morning greeting and a coffee, the working day is not really off to a good start.
At the end of the working day, it is polite and appreciated to say “bye-bye,” “see you tomorrow,” or something similar.
Your foreign boss will appreciate these greetings.
