Managing a global team can be a challenge. You’ll need to bridge cultural and language barriers, coordinate time zones, and find ways to motivate each individual on the team to reach their goals. However, if done right, managing a global team can lead to increased innovation,
creativity, and collaboration. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your global team.
Use Team Collaboration Tools
Since you’re not working in a traditional office setting, you’ll need a team collaboration tool to delegate tasks, set deadlines, upload briefs, and communicate with members. Your international team can access folders, check their assignments, and leave comments on tasks. Additionally, employees can download and upload documents for various tasks.
The advantage of a collaboration tool is that your team members can access the platform no matter what time zone they’re in. You’ll experience real-time updates, so employees never miss deadlines or chats pertaining to projects.
Utilize Technology To Communicate Across Time Zones
In managing a global team with members located in different time zones, communication can become difficult without proper planning in place. But it doesn’t have to be! Utilizing technology such as instant messaging apps or video conferencing programs is an essential tool for successful communication with remote teams around the globe.
These communication tools ensure that everyone can stay connected, even in different countries or time zones. The advantage of these tools is that they help drive productivity and efficiency across the organization as a whole.
Zoom and Skype are popular channels to use. But you can also use Microsoft teams or do a quick video call through WhatsApp.
Understand Different Cultures
It’s important to have an understanding of different cultures when managing an international team. Try to learn more about the different norms of each country represented on your team so that you can better understand how best to communicate with each other. This could include studying how people in various countries like to communicate (via email or telephone) and what kinds of expectations they have for meetings or work-related projects.
Take the time to understand your team’s holidays that they celebrate so you know when they’ll be offline. For example, US employees have Thanksgiving, which is a big holiday, and most businesses are closed on this day. Muslims require half days on Fridays to pray at a mosque.
Some cultures have higher standards when it comes to conducting business. So take the time to understand everyone’s culture, so you don’t offend your team.
Establish Clear Guidelines & Goals
Clear guidelines and goals are key when managing an international team. Give everyone clear instructions and deadlines for tasks. Assign responsibilities accordingly so that every member knows what is expected from them. Make sure that all goals are achievable, so everyone is set up for success right away. This will help keep motivation high across the entire team, regardless of location or time zone differences.
Ensure you type out your company guidelines on a document so you can send it to everyone. Team members must have a written copy of company regulations so that they can refer back to it if they’re experiencing problems. You can also get staff to sign your document to protect you from any liabilities.
Establish Regular Check-Ins
Establishing regular check-ins with your global team ensures that everyone is on track with their individual goals. Checking in provides a platform for open dialogue between management-level staff and various departments within the organization. These bi-weekly/monthly check-ins are also an opportunity for employees across all levels to discuss specific project updates and brainstorm creative ideas to reach common objectives.
This type of collaboration helps build trust among colleagues while also addressing any potential issues within remote teams. Regular meetings will minimize conflict and misunderstanding. Furthermore, with regular check-ins, you can ensure your staff isn’t overworking themselves.
You can also provide time-saving techniques and ways your employees can practice positive mental health while working from home.
Understand that Not Everyone Works the Same Way
When it comes to working effectively and efficiently, people have different personalities and needs. Understanding that everyone processes information and works through tasks differently can help you better adapt to an ever-evolving work environment. Here are a few ways you can work with others who approach things differently than you:
- Listen to everyone’s ideas
- Offer support where needed
- Delegate tasks to those who work well with certain clients
- Communicate with those who struggle to finish tasks on time
- Provide employee surveys to understand your team better
- Observe performance and results
- Offer regular feedback
You may find that some employees work quicker than others. So assign faster-working employees to tasks that have stricter deadlines. Employees that tend to work slower can be assigned work with more flexible deadlines.
Final Thoughts
It can be overwhelming at first when you’re managing employees from all over the world. But with the right tools and know-how, your international team will become a powerhouse in your industry. Use the tips provided in this post if you need techniques to manage a global team.