Opinion
Let’s be FINternational
Being FINternational means holding to one’s own cultural heritage but mixing it with the willingness to learn from others.
Pexels / FauxelsThis week, Sami Puttonen shares his vision of being a bridge builder between international talents and Finnish companies.
In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion related to Finnish businesses conquering the world and the need to attract international talents to Finland. To understand the basic question “why?” is easy: a glance at Finland’s demographics reveals the need for more people from abroad in future if we want to maintain our welfare society.
Thus, there are currently numerous international projects going on, at the national and local levels, across Finland to attract talent. This is great, but in order for newcomers to Finland to be successfully integrated into working life, there needs to be a greater FINternational mind-set.
“Modern future leaders should seek ways to combine the right language, culture, competence and attitude with the right needs of their company.”
As a Finn who has lived in two different countries outside Finland and has considerable experience working with international talent, I understand that I still look at things through a Nordic window and emphasise experiences and values regarding it. I know this won’t change. But I’ve also understood that I must keep that window open to allow influences from outside to broaden my understanding, so I don’t make decisions based on superficiality.
This way I can proudly be FINternational – holding on to my own cultural heritage but mixing it with the willingness to learn from others.
In a business context, especially in companies that do business outside Finnish markets, modern future leaders should seek ways to combine the right language, culture, competence and attitude with the right needs of their company to reach the best results within their teams. We have 20 000 international students plus other international talents, resources which are not really utilised, and at the same time complaints that there is no talent available for jobs.
The biggest sticking point for companies to diversify is attitudes, such as keeping Finnish as the working language of the office. Are some things really needed or are they the way they are just because that’s the way it has been? I suggest you stop for a moment to think about internationalisation and how you position yourself in terms of your approach toward international talent.
Are you FINternational?