A Wall by Monsters Inc.

Monsters Inc. CEO Henry J. Waternoose has five eyes, crab-like legs and wears a traditional suit (no pants). He is running a factory, in which doors of all colors are being stored. Each door leads to a child’s bedroom for factory monsters to enter, scare a child and capture the child’s scream in an energy tank. These tanks are the monster’s community single source of energy.

A WALL BY
MONSTERS INC.

The Collapse of Scare Tactics
Monsters Inc. is an animated movie that came out in 2001 and is one of my all-time favorites. The monsters are scared too. Of the children! Waternoose told his staff that children are toxic and that a single touch can be lethal. His system eventually collapses after his monster employees find out that children’s laughs generate more power than their screams.

A Revolving Door
In international business, listening to one single discouraging voice may lead to people avoiding doors altogether. International success is then of course very unlikely. Scare tactics have a similar effect. Going through the door will not work if it is being used as a revolving door to quickly go in and out with closed eyes and covered ears.

A Wall by a Monster
Over the years, I have heard the scariest stories about doing business in countries I have lived and worked. Sometimes from people who actually visited those same countries through a revolving door. Assumptions and scare tactics can lead to barriers, like a virtual wall. Sometimes it has led -and can lead again- to an actual physical wall…

Assume a Door
For success in international business, keep in mind that everybody does the same things differently. Take a step back to learn. Take two steps back if needed. It may very well lead to progress. Build alliances and partnerships. Seek help and advice from others who have been there. Assume there is a door, not a wall and don’t assume anything else.