Casas de Monterrey Team Training 2016

History of Mexico Colonized by the Spanish starting in 1492 Continued for 300+ years Declared independence in 1810 Federation of united states Largest Spanish speaking country 119 million people (11 th largest country) 11 th Largest GDP ($2.2 Trillion)

Diversity of Mexico Widely varying climate Rich in resources

Geography Northern Mexico Monterrey Metropolitan Area

Mexican Culture 97% Literacy 83% Roman Catholic, 93% total Christian Increasingly large populace under 25 Complex and diverse needs Culture of Submission and Distrust

Familia - “Traditional” view of family- Family Comes First - Mother is Caregiver- Father works - Multi-generational

Values National pride Work ethic Family respect

Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 3 rd Biggest City 4.5 million people Ranked #3 best city for business in Latin America by América Economía

casas

Conducting Business

Do:Don’t: - Learn a little Spanish- Set strict schedules - Use formal language at first (Usted)- Refer to U.S. as “America” - Provide personal service- Acknowledge bribes - Build rapport- Get down to business - Speak in person- Go unprepared - Refer to official titles

Bureaucracy as an Obstacle Avoid by confidence and relationship Refer to authority given La Mordida Never break the law

Hiring/Firing Salary is low for cost of living Women paid 17.4% less than men Advertise both in Spanish and in English Avoid too much eye contact Hiring/Firing is taken very personally Seasonal workers are common Public transportation Keep national holiday in mind

Training and Education Training is required by Federal Labor Law 1.Create a Joint Commission on Productivity and Training 2.Develop an elaborate skills and competency training plan 3.Issue certificates of skills and competency training 4.Maintain a list of employment-related skills and competencies acquired through training - Keep training in-house- Develop clear expectations

Business Relationships Culture of obedience (el jefe) Strong leader-follower dynamic Empowerment in difficult, but reaps a reward Profit sharing legally required

Leadership University study revealed 5 key traits 1.Self-Awareness 2.Life’s Mission and Vision 3.Social Awareness 4.Critical Thinking 5.Teamwork Skills

Remember… Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values We are guests, making a home We build communities Learn in humility