Working in a Global Setting - II

If you are in technology chances are you have or will work with a multicultural team who are perhaps located miles away at some point.

Either they are part of your team or work has been outsourced.

Remember:

 They are here because they are part of the team and want to help as much as you do
 Clear instructions help when working miles away. So, when work is delegated ensure you have mentioned what is required, when and how you want it delivered.
 Try listening when they come up with issues and being in their shoes.
 Distance can be a major factor, so overlapping times for meetings might be necessary.
 They are emotional. Bonding as one human to another might help, instead of focusing only as colleagues.
 Communication gap will be the source of discontent. Conversations/phone calls should be given priority over emails if traveling onsite/offsite doesn’t seem a feasible option during the recession period.
 Fairness matters
 Don’t take things for granted, please re-confirm.
 Recognition for special initiation or delivery encourages everyone to pitch in or contribute to the best of their ability.
 Understand the regional politics and try to keep it minimal. Lesser the better.
 Beware of the cultural taboos when conversing with the counterpart from other nations.

To know more about working in a multicultural team, click here

Working in a Global Setting- I

Have you worked with a globally placed team ?

If you are getting into it, there are certain things you might want to consider:

• Time zone difference is the most important thing to consider
• Culture needs to be treated as a bonding factor
• Accents and language barriers can be solved
• Work ethics should be synched
• Communication will keep the team together
• Work will happen on how you manage all of the above

So, why hear it from me? Having worked closely with two cultures- Indian (by birth) and American (Masters degree and later work) I have survived and made some lifelong friends on the way from both the worlds through my work. Being globally placed is awesome.

Part II of this post coming soon.

(Picture Courtesy: Google Images)