It's all gone down the toilet...

Work progresses considerably slower than what I'm used to.  While it is progressing, there is plenty of time to share family pictures with each other and with our new Firat friends.  Everyone has a such interesting cultural stories to share.  The connection that a team of 14 people can build in the matter of 5 days together is quite amazing.  While I've known them via phone for 2 months prior to leaving, the in person relationship and communication has grown immensely in such a short period of time.  This environment creates comfort in asking cultural questions that one may not generally get to ask in the day to day business relationships.  Not only are we learning about the culture of Turkey, we are also learning the culture of all the other CSC members.  Look at the beauty within the following pictures from a traditional arranged marriage in India (Pallavi) and the traditional 100 day photographs of a child from China (Charlie's son).  Pallavi and Charlie are my team mates working on the textile project.

Being the person that I am, I tend to solve a problem when I see one.  Being a problem solver in Turkey adds an additional problem.  :)  To whom shall I report that there has been water dripping from the ceiling at Firat in the woman's bathroom for the last two days?  To whom do I report that there is no toilet paper in the woman's bathroom on both the 2nd and 3rd floor?  Day 3 problem solving when the 2nd floor bathroom ran out of toilet paper was to start using the 3rd floor bathroom.  Day 5 problem of 3rd floor bathroom running out of toilet paper sent me rechecking the 2nd floor and searching for a 4th floor bathroom with no success.  THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE PROBLEM! 

There are few women working in Firat but daily I see a middle aged woman cleaning various locations in the buildings along with a young woman who is circling the offices serving tea.  Mind you I didn't report the 2nd floor bathroom out of toilet paper because I assumed the lady cleaning them would recognize and replace it.  Today, I declared all the readily available paper had been flushed down the toilet and I needed to go!  :)  On a mission to solve the problem, I find the "cleaning lady" and declare with hand gestures pointing to the bathroom and say PAPER, slowly.  She looks at me puzzled and starts rattling a sentence that I didn't have a prayer in understanding.  Both done speaking, we look at each other...I smiling, she then starts to laugh and gives me a kind pat on the back.  She then speaks more, I speak GONE, she speaks more and gestures while leading to the bathroom.  Yes, I "think" she understood my slowly spoken words!?  As she confidently reaches the bathroom stall she is completely astounded that there was none there and you could clearly see that she now knew exactly what I was talking about!  Simplicity has some complexities!  :)

I made a connection with her today...all centered around a roll of toilet paper!  All of the Turkish people we have met have been incredibly genuine, I am ever greatful that despite my short comings in trying to survive in their country, they are accepting of me and go to great lengths to ensure my comfort...how could I ever have feared this unknown!?

The ride of my life...

I really should be in bed but I just can't close my eyes without capturing some of today's memories...

For much of our time here in turkey, we've been traveling by bus.  Last night our bus driver brought his 3-4 year old son along, he was an adorable little boy.  When arriving at the hotel, I asked, through translation, if the driver would wait for me to go get a treat for his son and he agreed.  Others arrived showering him with gifts as well.  It was so fun to see that even though we could not speak, I saw the excitement in his eyes when I presented him with a neon glowing bracelet and necklace!  That was probably one of dad's best days at work for that little guy!  :)

Today, we planned to meet with the head of the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the textile sector.  Not needing a bus for 4 people, Midhat decided to drive us.  Hmm...should there be any concern when the driver gets in and fastens his seat belt but the passengers do not have seat belts to fasten?  :)  It was a joy ride!  While in buses, the speed and navigation among vehicles and people, is at a little slower speed than when driving in a vehicle I'd compare to a Ford Aspire.  Really, the driving was pretty safe, it's just interesting to watch how the traffic flows and parks.  I'd realistically have to call it organized chaos.  In my 5 days in Turkey, I've only seen one car accident which was today.  Mid ride I started to laugh and knew tonights blog would be titled ride of my life...

Our meeting was in the city center.  There was a lot of activity happening in the streets, people all seemingly going about their business yet taking a double look as they see a Turkish man leading a Chinese man, an Indian woman, and an American woman down the street.  It's great people watching to see the expressions on the faces of the locals.

We enjoyed many cups of Turkish Tea today and an assortment of baklava.  A meeting doesn't conclude without sharing tea together.  I've wanted to eat authentic baklava since finding out I was coming to Turkey.  Midhat ordered us a sample of baklava after our meeting at the chamber.  I was afraid of the portion he was ordering but he told me not to worry...I should have known better!  The plate arrived with 5 different types of baklava for each of us to try.  Twenty pieces in all for four of us!!!!  

TURKISH WARNING:  Eat and drink in MODERATION!

Always a different kind of duck...

Today was a long but again an enjoyable day.  I have trouble winding down at night...there's so much excitement that I can't bear to miss a moment!  I spent time socializing and talking to family last night...eventually heading to bed at 3am!  Oops...my biological clock woke me at 8:35am...the bus was supposed to be leaving at 8:30.  :)  Knowing that I could be "fashionably late" and still be on time, I did my condensed morning routine and was to the bus by 8:45!  I think that could have actually impressed my husband.  Although groggy, I was not the last one to board the bus!

We spent time at Firat today working through initial plans for our project.  Although the textile project that we have been assigned looks to be extremely difficult, I'm so excited to get to participate in it.  Malatya has a number of clothing manufacturers...some common ones are Polo and Timberland.  I'm intrigued and excited to see the whole end to end process...spinning of the yarns, weaving, dying, texturing, cutting, stitching, branding, packaging and distribution.  I'm also hoping to get in on some great deals!!!

Tonight we went to a beautiful shopping mall and ate in the food court.  This was an adventure as we clearly again saw that the common people may not konw English.  Merhaba and Tesekkurler are not going to get me very far...I'm going to have to start integrating more words into my vocabulary!  If I were home sick, I could always find comfort in McDonalds, Burger King, Popeyes or Sbarro.  I opted for a chicken flatbread rollup that was excellent followed with baklava and gelato.  :)  The clothing styles are in abundance but at the mall, the prices were quite comparable to the US prices.  Knowing that is too high, I will be patient as I've been told to do by Midhat from Firat...he will find us the premire location!  :)

To set the record straight, I had my hopes set too high!  The Firat Turks confirmed that hair dye probably wasn't going to make me Turkish!  I had told them of the incident yesterday when our bus was stopped on the street and children on the sidewalk were staring at us and laughing.  We laughed back and them and the chatter within the bus and outside the bus continued...clearly each talking about the other.  The Firat men stated that yes, of course they were laughing, "You look funny to them"!  One of my Indian team members asked if she looked funny and he said "No, but she looks funny", pointing to me!  Ah wonderful, I've always felt I've been a little different...I'd like to think being unique is an asset but.....?

Settling inn...

We arrived last evening to Malatya and took a little time to settle in to our rooms.  The hotel is beautiful and MUCH more than I ever expected.  Although I don't mind the accomodations, I again feel honored to be a part of an elite group of CSC IBMers.

Today was the official start of our assignment.  We spent the morning preparing for our afternoon meeting with the Governorate of Malatya.  Amid discussions of presentation content and agenda planning we made time for breakfast, tea time and lunch.

Our meeting with the Governorate was scheduled from 2-4:00 pm.  I found it quite interesting that for such an important meeting, we were just arriving at the government building at 2:05pm.  Typically for such an important meeting in the US, we would have been there at least 30 minutes prior to ensure we had time to recover from all the unexpected "glitches" in setup. 

Entry into many buildings in Turkey require going through a security check, similar to the airport security but not quite as rigorous.  After going through security in the government building we congregated in the hallway on the first floor.  The first thing that popped into my head was the similar feel of the Alcatrez Prison.  The hallways echoed, the paint was mint green and chipped. the doors were steel on the outside and had a padded covering on the inside.  On the surface, it looked a little rough but honestly it was a great reminder of where in the world we are and why we are working to help improve the economics of this region.  Upon settling into the conference room, we waited for the Governorate to arrive.  He arrived at approximately 2:40 for his 2:00 meeting :)  This was the first time many of us have ever used an interpreter for communication.  There was nervousness to deliver a good presentation but I think the team did a good job!  The Governorate was engaged for the entire meeting asking questions and offering additional information for our assignments.  Although scheduled to end at 4pm, he was fully engaged in our meeting until 5pm.

We were able to make a brief stop at the Firat office where we will be working for the next four weeks.  There were as many, if not more, Firat employees there to meet us than there were CSC members.  The office building is brand new and honestly another environment that I didn't imagine to be working in for a CSC assignment.  The Firat employees all speak English very well, are well educated and were very good hosts for the remainder of the evening. 

Our day concluded with dinner at a Turkish restaurant with the Governorate and Firat representatives.  Again we were running late for our 7:00 dinner and arrived at 7:05.  Not to worry, the Governorate arrived at approximately 8pm.  There was food, food, and more food!  It was great to try a variety of foods but I was ashamed at how much food was thrown away.  There was no possible way to eat all that was given to us.  We approximated at least ten different courses and four rounds of different drinks!  The foods were very fragrant and rich in taste.  Dessert of course was my favorite!

Bring  on 6 rounds of appetizers....
 - Appetizer dishes (beans, olives, wheat and pesto appetizer, etc)
 - Salad
 - Soup
 - Flat bread (with hot pepper pesto and cacik)
 - Lahmacun
 - Turkish meatballs called Grenades
The main course served on one plate...
 - Lamb chop, rice and a mixed vegetable
Drinks please...
 - Water
 - Fermented carrot juice (tasted like olive juice to me) and/or Yogurt water mixture (very common drink)
 - Carbonated beverage (soda, mineral water or lime mineral water)
 - Tea (this was my 4th round of tea for the day but it is very good)
Desserts in abundance...
 - Turkish pastries, dried apricots and pumpkin slices
 - Kunefe
 - Assorted tray of nuts
 - Chocolate dipped cookie stick (looked like long thin pretzel sticks dipped in chocolate)

There was a constant stream of food flowing to and from the table for nearly 2 hours!  This was a true turkish feast!  After 2 days in Turkey I'm beginning to think that with a little hair dye, I could start to fit in.  I struggle with being on the clock and like the fashionably late Turkish style demonstrated today!  I also love the 4 rounds of dessert...there still so many more things to experience and pounds to gain!  :)

The beauty within...

I arrived in Istanbul on October 9th.  Welcome to Istanbul…good luck in finding your way…ha, luck must have been on my side!  After deboarding the plane, I started to go with the flow.  After all, someone’s gotta know what’s going on right!?  I followed through to get my Visa, waited to retrieve my luggage then proceeded to the exit where I’d expect to find my ride.  There was a swarm of people lined up holding signs with names…what an overwhelming feeling to not know where you belong…I know someone is waiting for me, but which one of them is it!? 

I was expecting to find a sign with my name on it.  After not finding it, I figured the next logical guess would be the man standing with the IBM sign.  You may think this would be obvious so why waste time looking for my name but I'll tell you I watched two additional team mates follow and do the same thing!  As I started talking to the “IBM man”, it was immediately apparent, we were going to have difficulty communicating! J  Hand gestures and nods had to do in this interaction.  The IBM man was having trouble finding my name on the paper, after all, there is no “Kristi Dick”, it’s “Kreestee Deech” in Turkish! Ah but alas, I convinced him to claim me and was able to board the van to the hotel.

I spent a short 30 hours in Istanbul before traveling to Malatya.  I met the team and have to say it's been such a pleasure and thus far a great team.  I love the music of all the accents in the room.  Together we represent 8 different countries and have the ability to speak well over a dozen different languages (I am weak in this area).  There are many fun personalities and as you can probably see from my facebook pictures, we've already experienced a number of laughing moments!

Istanbul is an absolutely beautiful city but I was really surprised that the beauty isn't only from the surface but deep within the historic streets.  There is truely a hidden city within the wall surrounding Istanbul.  I know if I were on my own I wouldn't have ventured there and would have missed the most beautiful aspects of the city.  To me, it wasn't obvious as the streets are very narrow cobblestone and feel like walking down a back alley in the US.  Truly a place I would have avoided. 

While the conditions of the streets and buildings are less than average, The Turkish people exhibit great passion for their country and their businesses.  Even with the countinual smell of heavy dust (which only I seem to be sensitive to), you can't help but love the environment.  In the US, we would bulldoze down the remnants of a fallen building or wall, but Turkey has incorporated it into their lives and integrated it into their current environments by building around it, under it and on top of it.  This really adds character to the city and I'm amazed at how much beauty radiates from it! 

While I didn't realize people have such a distinct "Turkish" look, clearly I can now identify their features.  I DO NOT LOOK THE LEAST BIT TURKISH :)  To my surprise, we are clearly identitfied as tourists but the Turkish people are very eager to ask where we are from.  They are also eager to show us their crafted products and will incent you with a "great offer" to buy!  I am the first to admit I usually dislike salesman but it's really been fun learning about their products and seeing their daily businesses.  I'm not sure I could do their job everyday but the enthusiasm they display makes me believe they love their jobs and the interaction with the people.  I am disappointed that I wasn't able to spend more time in Istanbul but this gives me a great excuse to return to Turkey again some day!

The task before me...

Today is the lucky day!  The good byes were very brief but what I needed to keep everything in check...I am already imagining the excitement upon my return...that will be much more enjoyable!

There's so much to do in the next 24 hours but my body is giving out on me...I am hopeful for some much needed sleep on the plane to try to keep a nasty sinus cold in check....if it doesn't get any worse I'll be good but I'm afraid that's not going to be the case.  Tylenol, take me away!!! 

While there is much work left to do before knowing what I will be doing in Malatya, Turkey, the goal is working to improve the textile industry.  Textile?  Yes, textile...don't you remember that my past life included retail sales with Maurices and  Myhre's.  I don't think I was assigned to this project because of my retail experience from 20 years ago.  In fact not many people know about it since that professional experience has long been scratched from my resume.  Maybe I was assigned because of my expertise and love for shopping!!!???  Ah yes!  I'm excited to see what knowledge my team (Pallavi and Charlie) and I can apply to make improvements in this industry.  In gaining understanding of the industry we will have to witness, first hand, today's processes...how lucky I am to get to spend hours at the markets!!!?  :) 

Stay tuned...I love how it seems a plan is coming together perfectly!!! :)

The Zone...(not ESPN)

Nervous YIKES!  I've entered the final week of work before my adventure begins.  I started looking at the blogs of my team mates and I instantly started to feel a pit in my stomach.  Anxiety is running pretty high and I don't expect any relief for at least the next week or so!  As one of my team mates reflects upon the upcoming assignment and states "almost there"...I wondered if he meant "almost in Turkey" or he's almost achieved his CSC goal for engaging in new things and get out of his "comfort zone".  Whether he meant one, both or neither of those...for what I have interpreted, I AM ALMOST THERE on all fronts!  I've been working hard to layout the home and work life in preparation for my leaving.  This has been almost therapeutic for someone who has a need to maintain control.  I am on the very edge of my comfort zone, realizing that very soon there will be little I can control.  I know and understand what I've got here at home, the unknown of what's to come four days from now is a little nerve racking.

Filled with mixed emotions as I am excited to meet the great team of IBMers I've been working with for the past two months, I am scared about the good bye with my family at home.  Friday is sure to be the start of some significant personal challenges... 

I Hope You Dance

While I'm sure around day 3 or 4, my kids will start wondering when I'm going to come home, I know that everyone will survive without me.  Everyone will be missed but I hope that someday they will look back and understand what this adventure was all about. 

The best explanation for me and the hope I have for my kids was best written by Tia Sillers.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance...I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin'

Lovin' might be a mistake but it's work makin'

Don't let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter

When you come close to sellin' out reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance...I hope you dance

Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along.

Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder

where those years have gone.

I hope you dance...I hope you dance

I hope you dance

A new family in the making...

In early August we learned that we would be assigned to Malatya, Turkey.  While we have shared numerous conference calls over the past 2 months, I look forward to meeting and working with everyone in person.  Everyone that has participated in the CSC program says the network of friends/colleges gained through this experience is so rewarding.  Here is the make up of my team:

Seung Hoon Lee - Korea
Caroline Fiset - Canada
Sheng Chen - China
Li Cai (Charlie) - China
Pallavi Devalapurkar - India
Madeline Vega - Texas, USA
Kristi Dick - Minnesota, USA
Rob Barker - Australia
Nithya Mohan - India
Ricardo Jucioli Struckel Filho - Brazil
Tom Burke - Texas, USA
Khushbu Aggarwal - India
Lysset Hernandez Mellado - Mexico
Julie Coco - Australia

Burning the midnight oil...

Well, this is not unfamiliar territory for me to be up until wee hours of the morning cramming for the next big thing.  It seems my brain doesn't kick into high gear until I'm closing in on the ninth hour.  Maybe that's my excuse for my usual procrastination!?  I find myself to be somewhat of a planner (don't laugh, I just plan a little ;) ).  While I can "go with the flow" I like to have things planned out.  I'm kind of feeling right now that my Turkey plan is a mess!  My belongings are in piles around the house, papers about Turkey are stacked in numerous piles, the list of to dos are numerous and growing!  The things that are accomplished:  Passport in hand, shots completed, Skype installed and configured and tunes loaded on my mp3 player....ah, sounds like I'm ready for the getaway!  One would think I'd learn when to call it enough and keep things in better balance.  I'm beginning to believe that although often exhausting, I enjoy the frenzy and the self imposed pressure...after all, I usually get myself into these situations on my own.  Being busy with meaningful work, boosts my adrenalin and keeps me happy.  Very rarely do I have down time but when I do, I can barely keep my eyes open...right now, I am looking forward to 10 hours of down time in the plane...to recharge for my Turkish adventure!  Seeing that it took me over six months to plan our family vacation to Disney World last year, it's hopeless to think I'd have fully planned for Turkey and later Italy in 2 short months!  I'm gonna have to resort to going with the flow...

Success

I have had the following poem posted in my office for years.  It has been adapted from an original verse by Bessie Anderson Stanley.  I have always hoped to be successful...the poem highlights that success for me is not a point in time nor an award or a status, it is a reputation that must be built throughout life.  I've often wondered how I can touch the world in a deeper way.  Being selected as part of the CSC is an honor and a privilege.  While I know the experience will be awesome, I wonder what more is yet to come as I work to succeed.  This is a journey along the way... 

To laugh often and much,
To win the respect of intelligent people
And the affection of children...
To leave the world a bit better…
To know even one life had breathed easier
Because you had lived,
This is to have succeeded.

What is Corporate Service Corp about?

July 22, 2010

The Role of the Corporation in Citizen Diplomacy
Volunteering, Diplomacy, Development, Developing Countries, Global Poverty
by Stanley Litow President, IBM International Foundation
David L. Caprara, Nonresident Fellow, Global Economy and Development
http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2010/0722_citizen_diplomacy_caprara.aspx

It was fifty years ago that President Kennedy famously launched the Peace Corps, bringing international volunteerism to its true prominence in this country. Today, a diverse set of international volunteer efforts are supported by federal, state and local governments and through partnerships with NGOs. These efforts have been particularly effective at engaging two segments of our population: students or recent graduates; and retirees or those pursuing second careers.

But the segment that holds perhaps the greatest promise for global development has – for the most part – been underserved. We’re referring to mid-career employees at corporations: particularly large, globally-integrated enterprises. These corporate employees have what is most required for a successful international service engagement: cutting edge skills, deep expertise and relevant strategic knowhow.

Why has this resource largely gone untapped? Because a clear connection to business strategy and return on investment has been made in only a few cases.

There exists a triple benefit from corporate-sponsored international volunteerism. Local communities receive premier business and consulting services. Employees enrich their skill sets by working in international markets and leadership experience from working with diverse teams of colleagues and local partners. And corporations gain experienced leaders, insights into new markets, and brand and reputation enhancement that can ultimately create new global business opportunities.

IBM’s Corporate Service Corps (CSC) was developed with those benefits in mind. Often referred to as a “corporate peace corps,” CSC provides IBM employees with unique opportunities to develop and explore their roles as global citizens. Through one month deployments, IBM’s top talent works in teams of roughly 12 to provide in-depth business and IT consulting support to local entrepreneurs and small businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and governmental agencies. Already in its third year, Corporate Service Corps has deployed 700 IBM employees from 47 countries on 70 teams to 14 countries including China, Nigeria, Romania, Poland and Vietnam. The result is a leadership development program that has made strides in answering the economic, social and environmental sustainability challenges faced by many emerging markets.

We’re pleased to see that other organizations are adopting similar programs. In fact, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a partnership with IBM to accelerate international volunteerism by leveraging the Corporate Service Corps model. USAID and IBM are creating an Alliance for International Corporate Volunteerism Program to help smaller companies and organizations eager to implement their own corporate peace corps, but lacking the resources and scale to do so.

As we look to help expand international service opportunities, there are several best practices to share based on IBM’s experience.

* In the case of executives, keep the duration of the projects relatively short. This allows for better access to a company’s top talent because rather than interrupting a career, you are asking someone to make service an integral part of it.

* Continue the relationship. While the duration of an individual’s participation may be short, your involvement with the region should be long-term and sustainable. It is not a vendor relationship; it is a partnership.

* Identify the right projects. The most successful development efforts take time and effort to scope out and plan. Partner with NGOs early and often to find the best local opportunities for growth and impact.

* Carefully mix and match skills when forming a team of service participants. This allows them to deliver results quickly and build capacity on the local level.

* Take advantage of technology. Technology can be a powerful tool to help train and prepare service participants. Technology like social networking can also help build a community of service participants and allow them to share their experiences.

The world has changed significantly over the last 50 years. Corporate-sponsored international volunteerism is now building upon the government’s original architecture of the Peace Corps. The same conditions and capabilities that have made the world “flat”, allowing its systems to become smarter, are also opening up new paths for citizen diplomacy. Those seeking out international volunteer service opportunities are no longer limited to government guidance and other official avenues into long-term engagements.

In an interconnected world, citizens have the choice of participating more directly in service through short-term assignments that will not disrupt their careers but enrich them. And it is these mid-career volunteers who possess the skills to make such assignments successful. Forward-thinking corporations with a clear understanding of the benefits of international volunteer programs can empower meaningful citizen diplomacy, contributing to sustainable development practices and building partnerships in a globalized world.