How can you improve your global team's performance and productivity?

1 Set clear expectations

One of the first steps to improve your global team's performance and productivity is to set clear expectations for everyone. This includes defining the scope, objectives, roles, responsibilities, deadlines, and deliverables of the project. You also need to communicate how you will measure and monitor progress, quality, and feedback. By setting clear expectations, you can avoid confusion, ambiguity, and conflict, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

2 Establish regular communication

Another key factor to improve your global team's performance and productivity is to establish regular communication. This means choosing the right tools and platforms for your team, such as email, chat, video conferencing, or collaboration software. You also need to schedule frequent and consistent meetings, updates, and check-ins, taking into account the different time zones and availability of your team members. By establishing regular communication, you can build rapport, trust, and engagement, and address any issues or challenges promptly.

3 Adapt your leadership style

A third tip to improve your global team's performance and productivity is to adapt your leadership style to the needs and preferences of your team. This means being aware of the different cultural norms, values, and behaviors of your team members, and adjusting your communication, feedback, and decision-making accordingly. You also need to balance between being directive and supportive, depending on the situation and the level of autonomy and involvement of your team. By adapting your leadership style, you can foster respect, inclusion, and empowerment, and leverage the strengths and diversity of your team.

4 Provide feedback and recognition

A fourth suggestion to improve your global team's performance and productivity is to provide feedback and recognition regularly and effectively. This means giving constructive and specific feedback that helps your team improve their performance and learn from their mistakes. You also need to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts, achievements, and contributions, and celebrate their successes. By providing feedback and recognition, you can motivate, inspire, and retain your team, and create a positive and supportive work environment.

5 Encourage collaboration and innovation

A fifth recommendation to improve your global team's performance and productivity is to encourage collaboration and innovation among your team members. This means creating opportunities and platforms for your team to share their ideas, insights, and best practices, and to learn from each other. You also need to promote a culture of experimentation, creativity, and risk-taking, and support your team to try new approaches and solutions. By encouraging collaboration and innovation, you can tap into the collective intelligence and potential of your team, and deliver better results.

6 Develop your global competence

A sixth tip to improve your global team's performance and productivity is to develop your own global competence as a leader and a team member. This means enhancing your knowledge, skills, and attitudes that enable you to work effectively across cultures and contexts. You also need to cultivate a mindset of curiosity, openness, and respect for diversity, and seek feedback and learning opportunities to improve your global delivery capabilities. By developing your global competence, you can increase your confidence, credibility, and influence, and become a more effective global leader and collaborator.

7 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?