leading an organization?

Question

If you were leading an organization that was going to expand internationally, what five assumptions would you examine first? Why?

Answer 1

1. Where is the demand greatest (location or placement)
2. How can the staff best reach or interact with the new region(s) (including culture and economy, hiring and training)
3. How can the organization communicate and interact effectively, both internally or locally and also externally and globally, in integrating the new region(s) into the plans
4. What are the advantages to expansion that can be used to promote activity or increase support, and what is the timeframe to expect for each step or stage of growth
5. What are the problems or disadvantages that must be addressed, and what measures or process will be used to resolve any conflicts or issues that arise. If something fails or goes wrong, what is the plan of action.

The questions and issues I would raise are the same as with any expansion -- to watch the overhead, to make sure the demand justifies the expansion, to balance the advance investment that will pay off later with waiting for increased in income before expanding further, to make sure the staff and marketing or outreach is prepared to handle the expanded services, to make sure there are means of communicating and interacting to handle all changes and any conflicts, etc.