Six weeks of Pre-Work: Embracing cultural differences for an exciting SAP Social Sabbatical in Malaysia
As the wheels of the plane touched down in Malaysia, the warm, tropical air greeted me, a stark yet welcome contrast to the monsoon rains back in Bengaluru, India. I felt the city’s vibrant energy embracing me, a kaleidoscope of new experiences waiting to be explored. The drive from the airport to the heart of Kuala Lumpur felt like stepping into a vibrant tapestry of culture and modernity. Skyscrapers pierced the sky, flanked by lush greenery and historical landmarks.
My first real interaction with a local came when I asked for directions to my hotel. A friendly vendor pointed me in the right direction, displaying the genuine hospitality Malaysians are renowned for.
Settling into the hotel, waves of nostalgia and anticipation washed over me. It was the culmination of six weeks of Pre-Work preparation, and the SAP Social Sabbatical (SoSa) assignment was finally here. Each week had brought new learnings and opportunities for growth, laying a solid foundation for what lay ahead.
Reflecting on the Pre-Work Journey
The Pre-Work phase of SoSa was enriching, immersing me in global engagement, cultural awareness, teamwork, and communication skills. Our weekly commitments of three to five hours included engaging conference calls by SAP and Pyxera Global and homework assignments that equipped us with valuable insights.
I encountered diverse perspectives and gained practical skills that would prove invaluable in Malaysia, from culturally adaptive communication methods to collaborative problem-solving techniques. Each session made a lasting impression on me.
Week 1: Setting the Stage for Collaboration
Our journey kicked off with an introduction to SAP’s CSR strategy and its alignment with Pyxera Global’s mission. We dove into discussions on sustainable goals and social enterprise, and interacted with the team from Pyxera Global and SAP who would be supporting us throughout this endeavor.
We got a clear walkthrough of our six-week Pre-Work schedule, highlighting each week’s focus. One standout feature was the coaching element of the SAP Social Sabbatical, where we have the opportunity to engage with certified coaches from SAP’s Global Coaching Practice through the SAP Coach Finder.
Week 2: Expanding Cultural Awareness
We leveraged tools like CultureWizard to foster sensitivity and effective teamwork in a global context. Culture Calculator and its associated exercises sharpened our preparations for navigating Malaysia’s diverse landscape.
We explored paradigm shifts in CSR thinking with the tri-sector partnership, UN Sustainable Development Goals, and citizen diplomacy. We learned the difference between non-profit and social sector organizations, where the latter achieve social outcomes using business tools. This was important in the context of the project I would be working on — Building a Social Enterprise. There is an estimation of 20,749 social enterprises in Malaysia as per ‘The State of Social Enterprise in Malaysia’ report by British Council.
For the next week, we had to come up with a name, motto, values, and mission for our team.
Week 3: Project Immersion and Crafting Our Mission
Apa Khabar? That’s “how are you” in Malay. Beyond language, we were exposed to the major festivals, arts, crafts, cuisine, and traditional attire. This week offered context to our project at MySkills Foundation, which provides at-risk youth with social, living, and workplace skills. Our main objective is to inject innovation, expertise, and technological solutions into MySkills Foundation’s social enterprises, to ensure the financial viability of the foundation.
The values and mission of our team crystallized into an impactful vision, serving as common ground for our commitment to creating real change. We even came up with a catchy name for our team — Kuala Lumpur Culture Catalysts Dream Team. With goals like openness and transparency, and values like inclusivity and teamwork, we defined:
· Our Motto: Building Dreams, Bridging Cultures
· Our Mission: “To create sustainable solutions for our client organizations, enabling them to grow, evolve, and bring their businesses forward. We support and bring dreams to reality with our expertise and cooperation, utilizing the skills and talents of our multidisciplinary team.”
Week 4: Tools for Collaborative Problem-Solving
We embraced practical tips and techniques for engaging with our host organization and clients. Concepts like Appreciative Inquiry, Problem and Solution Tree, and Human-Centered Design equipped us with the skills to establish rapport, identify core issues, and co-create impactful solutions.
We tackled intriguing conflict resolution case studies, addressing challenging scenarios like teammates hating each other, non-performing team members, and host organizations wanting everything. We explored root causes, resolution strategies, and potential outcomes. Understanding the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) also helped us appreciate differences and form more effective teams.
Week 5: Anticipating Risks and Packing for Success
The fifth week focused on communication strategies, program calendar, project implementation timelines, and impact surveys. Through discussions on risk assessment and packing checklists, we prepared ourselves for the logistical challenges of working in a whole new country and environment. Orientation sessions and team meetings fostered a sense of camaraderie and unity as we geared up for the final leg of Pre-Work.
As part of our prep for the next week, we watched Simon Sinek’s TED Talk, “Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe,” which I highly recommend.
Week 6: Ready to Embrace the Unknown
The final week featured a Q&A with SAP Social Sabbatical alumni, offering invaluable insights. We were introduced to Life After the Social Sabbatical and the TRANSFORM Support Hub, which connects social enterprises with corporates and a global community of professionals. The Acceleration Collective on the TRANSFORM Support Hub matches SAP employees with impact businesses for pro bono consulting, a huge part of LifeatSAP.
As the sixth week drew to a close, I felt ready to embrace cultural differences, adapt to new work dynamics, and embark on a four-week journey of innovation and impact.
Malaysia: First Impressions
My hotel room overlooks the majestic Twin Towers and the bustling city, and as I set down my bags, I felt a surge of emotions. This was it — the beginning of a new adventure. I was eager to connect with my colleagues from SAP who are part of the 5th cohort this year, as the SAP Social Sabbatical program runs cohorts every quarter. The sense of unity and expectation was strong, laying the groundwork for the impactful experience ahead. The true highlight was, of course, the opportunity to spend time with my team members.
Meeting My Team
Meeting my SAP team members Daniela and Neha in person was a surreal experience filled with animated conversations and shared laughter. For weeks, we had worked together virtually, and now, here we were, face-to-face. It was exciting to say the least. In the midst of our catch-up sessions, the presence of our team mentor, Jessica Low, was like a guiding beacon. Her enthusiasm and insights have been our pillar of support.
Stepping into the MySkills Foundation
Approaching the MySkills Foundation office, my teammates and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and slight nervousness — we were about to meet our host organization for the first time. All the virtual preparation had led us to this moment, and we were eager to dive in and make a meaningful impact.
Our first meeting was filled with infectious energy, with team members who are driven and passionate about their work. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly by our local hosts. The office buzzed with activity, filled with people dedicated to making a difference. Their friendliness, smiles, and eagerness made us feel right at home.
We spent the initial hours listening to their needs, understanding their challenges, and discussing our plan of action. The excitement in the room was palpable, and I felt a strong sense of purpose and responsibility. With only one month to deliver value, they were looking up to us with high expectations, which made me feel ready to take up the challenge.
Presenting Indian Souvenirs and Treats
As I prepared for my month-long expedition, I found myself contemplating the perfect gifts for all the wonderful people I would be meeting. I chose delightful Indian sweets and personalized gifts that represent the rich heritage of India, hoping to share a piece of my culture.
When my newfound friends look at these souvenirs, I hope they see not just a beautiful object but a glimpse into the heart and soul of India, and in doing so, remember a part of me and the bond we formed.
Navigating Cultural and Organizational Differences
Understanding and adapting to cultural differences is crucial for our success. Analyzing the CultureWizard assessment report, I came across a few interesting observations. In Malaysia, the work culture looks to be more hierarchical compared to the egalitarian approach I’m used to. Malaysians use indirect communication, whereas I am accustomed to being more direct. They operate on a fluid concept of time, while I tend to follow a more structured approach, with tasks and schedules being closely adhered to. These differences require me to be flexible and adaptable, ensuring I respect and align with local customs and practices.
Adjusting to a new organizational environment brings its own nuances. Coming from an enterprise organization, transitioning to a social sector organization has been a new experience for the three of us. The shift from a process-oriented approach to one of complete involvement has been both challenging and rewarding, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the work and mission of MySkills Foundation.
Key Takeaways from My Journey So Far
· Pre-Work equips us with critical cross-cultural skills and collaborative techniques for on-ground work.
· Establishing a strong team identity and shared vision helps foster a sense of unity and common purpose.
· Adapting to the local dynamics requires open-mindedness, and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone.
What’s Next in Store?
This Malaysian experience has only just begun. In the coming weeks, I’ll be working closely with the MySkills Foundation, delving deeper into their social enterprise challenges and co-creating solutions. Stay tuned for my next blog and stay connected as we continue on this exciting adventure together.
