Facilitation skills are essential for global business leaders in multinational companies because they often play a crucial role in bringing people together and facilitating discussions, decision-making, and problem-solving. Business leaders have the power to drive progress in their organizations and make a lasting impact on their industry, and strong facilitation skills are necessary to help them reach their goals.

One of the major challenges that global business leaders face in facilitating group discussions is managing intercultural differences. With globalization, multinational companies often have team members from a variety of different cultural backgrounds, each with their own unique values, beliefs, and ways of doing business. This can make it difficult for business leaders to effectively facilitate discussions and reach consensus.

Sino Associates Global Limited has developed a 4B approach to help business leaders become successful facilitators. The 4B approach includes Background, Block, Bearing, and Benefit. These four steps provide a useful framework for business leaders to follow in order to effectively facilitate group processes and achieve their goals.

The first step in the 4B approach is Background. This involves understanding the context of the intercultural business situation and creating a clear picture of the goals and objectives of the group. This is important because it helps the facilitator to provide the group with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions. For example, if a business leader is facilitating a group decision-making process about expanding the company's operations into a new market with different cultural norms, they may need to provide information about the local business practices, cultural values, and potential challenges and opportunities. It is also important to consider cultural differences in communication styles, body language, and other factors that may influence the group's decision-making process.

The second step in the 4B approach is Block. This involves identifying any obstacles that are preventing the group from achieving their goals. These blocks could be internal, such as language barriers, or external, such as different economic climates or regulatory constraints. It is important for the facilitator to identify these blocks and determine the best way to move forward. This may involve finding ways to bridge cultural gaps or adjusting the group's goals and objectives. It is also important to take into account differences in cultural values, beliefs, and expectations when addressing potential challenges.

The third step in the 4B approach is Bearing. This involves understanding the perspectives of each individual in the group. This is important because it helps the facilitator to ensure that everyone is heard and respected. For example, if a business leader is facilitating a group decision-making process about launching a new product in an international market, they may need to consider the perspectives of different stakeholders and customers who will be affected by the product. By understanding the bearing of each group member, the facilitator can help to create an inclusive and respectful environment where all voices are heard. It is also important to consider cultural differences when assessing the potential impact of a decision.

The fourth and final step in the 4B approach is Benefit. This involves understanding the rewards that come with taking action. This is important because it helps the facilitator to encourage the group to move forward and take action to reach their goals. By highlighting the potential benefits of taking action, the facilitator can motivate the group to work towards a common goal, taking into consideration different cultural perspectives. It is also important to identify the potential benefits of understanding and respecting needs from different markets/cultural groups.

In conclusion, global business leaders in multinational companies need strong facilitation skills to be successful. The 4B approach developed by Sino provides a useful framework for business leaders to follow in order to effectively facilitate intercultural group processes. By understanding the background, block, bearing, and benefit of a situation, and by effectively communicating and collaborating with group members, business leaders can facilitate a successful group decision-making process and help their organizations reach their goals. In addition, it is important for business leaders to consider cultural differences when making decisions and taking action. By taking a holistic approach and considering the cultural context of a situation, business leaders can create an environment that is conducive to successful and productive group discussions. By understanding and respecting different cultural perspectives, business leaders can create an environment where everyone’s opinion is valued and respected, and where everyone can work together to achieve their goals.

John is an APEC speaker, adjunct professor and one of China's leading experts in cross cultural solutions. Over the past 14 years he has worked from supervisor to executive level leaders from every corner of the world working in greater China and Asia to be more effective and inclusive in a multi-cultural business environment. He is certified in 12 industry standard cross cultural tools including assessments and training courses covering all major academic and business settings. His signature workshop on Diversity and Inclusion has been highly praised by fortune 100 companies, embassies and consulates across Asia.

John brings a wealth of knowledge to his clients through his rich multi-cultural background having lived and worked in nine countries. He was was born in Singapore, raised in a US diplomatic family and grew up in Asia, the US and the Middle East. John studied intercultural solutions in the US and Europe and is fluent in three languages including English, Mandarin and Italian.