Enhancing Expatriate ROI: Competency Development A group of US expatriates had been living in Southern Germany between several months to over one year. In addition to fullfilling their respective functions, the expatriates had been assigned to Germany as part of the corporation’s efforts to enhance the organization’s “global IQ“ and international nimbleness. To achieve this goals, expatriates were expected not only to “do their job” but also develop international business competencies, so that they could operate effectively in more than one business environment, would become familiar enough with the German business to allow for cross-fertilization of ideas and practices between the US and Germany, and serve as bridge-builders between the different countries that represent the company’s core markets and locations (France, Germany, US). However, these learning goals had been not been stated explicitly, nor had the expatriates been provided with tools or support to accomplish them. To remedy this situation (and in support of the above goals), a workshop with the expatriates was held in Germany. During the workshop, the participants were introduced to a framework for key success competencies in international business. This framework allowed the expatriates to examine and validate their experiences and progress to date, renew their motivation and focus, as well as establish a personal vision and action plan in support of their international business effectiveness and competency development while on assignment in Germany. A significant shift towards greater self-direction and a sense of empowerment within the challenges of an international assignment also took place. Note Providing a clear behavioral framework for key competencies in international business allows expatriates, leaders and managers to operationalize and direct talent and competency development. As a result, expatriate assignments and development resources will be used more effectively. Capabilities can be better aligned with organizational strategy. Kultur & Management, Inc., provides consulting, assessement, coaching and training services for international business competency development, supporting clients’ global productivity and agility.