You’re leading a global team. How can you connect with them and their cultures?

1 Learn about their cultures

The first step to connect with your team members is to learn about their cultures, values, and preferences. You can do this by reading books, articles, or blogs, watching videos, or listening to podcasts that provide insights into their countries, histories, and traditions. You can also ask your team members to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives with you and the rest of the team. This will help you understand their context, motivations, and expectations, and avoid stereotypes or assumptions.

2 Communicate clearly and frequently

Communication is key to any successful team, but especially for a global one. You need to communicate clearly and frequently with your team members, using multiple channels and formats, such as emails, calls, chats, or video conferences. You also need to be mindful of the language and tone you use, and avoid jargon, slang, or idioms that might be confusing or offensive. You should also check for understanding, feedback, and confirmation, and acknowledge and appreciate their contributions and achievements.

4 Build trust and rapport

To lead a global team effectively, you need to build trust and rapport with your team members, and create a sense of belonging and inclusion. You can do this by showing genuine interest and curiosity in their lives, backgrounds, and interests, and sharing some personal information about yourself. You can also create opportunities for informal and social interactions, such as virtual coffee breaks, icebreakers, or games, where your team members can get to know each other better and have fun. You can also celebrate their cultural diversity and recognize their unique strengths and talents.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?