Leading globally
Cultural differences are only a small part of the complexities lying into managing a global team and keep it united, effective and motivated towards a common goal.
Leading globally: the misconception I often hear about leading globally is that “it’s all about cultural differences” but in reality, understanding those are a very small part of the way to succeed in leading global teams.
I have a very simple way of dealing with leading global teams which fits into the term GLOBAL.
You will see that these items are actually not necessarily specific to leading teams globally but can be used wherever the team is, that’s the secret, focus on these simple guidelines and treat the global team like any other team and success will often follow, it’s about the clarity, behaviours and the attitude that make the difference.
G – Goals
L – Language
O – On Site
B – Bond with Team
A – Availability
L – Long Term Relationship
I will now go through each of these and explain what in my experience is about the successful way to lead globally.
G – Goals
G is for Goals, both on the clarity of setting the goals, measuring them closely and regularly monitoring and reviewing, simple right? Being clear on targets, mission and objectives avoids any misinterpretation of what was required and with regular monitoring and review this will give comfort that progress is being achieved.
L – Language
Language here is one of the most under-appreciated parts of leading a global team. Although English is often the common business language, understanding the local dialect or language will really help. It’s one of the key areas of misinterpretation that happens what means something in one language can often have a different meaning in another. Try to avoid the “lost in translation” point that can often be used as an excuse once the goals don’t progress or get achieved.
O – On Site
Not always an easy one here but there is no substitute for being in the same room as your team wherever they are in the world. Zoom calls, Facetime, video-conferencing, Microsoft Teams etc…all products which help with communication, but in my experience its only when you’re face to face the relationships are cemented and as a leader you really get to understand what motivates your team when you’re in the room.
B – Bond with The Team
Might sound a bit obvious this one but the literal meaning of bond is “A Connection that fastens things together”. Teambuilding in anyone’s language is critical to a successful high performing team and those teams that avoid it or don’t find time for it will often be a team but not a high performing one in my view. This can work through remote teambuilding or simply ensuring that there is regular and consistent communication between the global team.
A – Availability
Availability is about being there when needed, global teams often have different time zones and so it’s important not to just work to your own time zone, but being flexible and fitting in and being there for the team when needed. This can sometimes mean working different hours or “following the sun”. It’s also about being consistent in the message and ensuring that it’s understood and being available means that plenty of opportunity for Clarity or Q&A sessions with the team will always help understanding as well as the bonding element.
L – Long Term Relationship
This is another area that is often overlooked when leading globally. The success of leading teams is about being in the team for the long haul. If the team in another country believes that there is a long-term view of utilising the skills and resources that they bring then their approach and attitude, in my experience, always brings positive results and often additional skills and ideas.
I know sometimes relationships can be purely financial or contractual and this can change the relationship but, in my view, building a long-term relationship will help achieve the businesses goals.
I am a firm believer in the power of the team wherever that team may be, I don’t see borders as barriers and I have seen and experienced real success by dealing with a variety of global teams. Despite the obvious financial arbitrage benefits which are often the initial reasons for working with teams from different global locations. I believe if you utilise the simple guide above then leading globally will always be successful for you.
