What are ways to build trust with local colleagues and stakeholders abroad?

1 Learn about the culture

Before you start working abroad, do some research on the culture of the country and the organization you will be joining. Learn about their values, beliefs, customs, etiquette, and work practices. Try to understand how they approach decision-making, feedback, conflict, and teamwork. Avoid making assumptions or judgments based on your own cultural background, and be open-minded and respectful of differences. Ask questions and listen actively to learn from your local colleagues and stakeholders.

2 Communicate clearly and frequently

Communication is key for building trust, especially when working across distances and time zones. Use multiple channels and modes of communication, such as email, phone, video call, chat, and face-to-face meetings, to stay in touch and share information. Be clear and concise in your messages, and avoid jargon, slang, or idioms that may cause confusion or misunderstanding. Check for understanding and feedback regularly, and acknowledge and address any issues or concerns promptly. Show interest and appreciation for your local colleagues and stakeholders, and use appropriate greetings, titles, and expressions.

3 Adapt to the work style

Different cultures may have different work styles, such as how they plan, prioritize, execute, and evaluate tasks and projects. To build trust, you need to adapt to the work style of your local colleagues and stakeholders, and align your goals, expectations, and standards with theirs. Find out how they prefer to work, such as how they communicate, collaborate, delegate, report, and measure progress and performance. Follow their processes, procedures, and policies, and respect their deadlines, schedules, and preferences. Demonstrate your competence, reliability, and accountability, and deliver on your promises and commitments.

4 Show respect and empathy

Respect and empathy are essential for building trust, as they show that you value and care about your local colleagues and stakeholders as people, not just as professional contacts. Respect their opinions, perspectives, and experiences, and avoid imposing your own views or solutions. Empathize with their challenges, needs, and emotions, and offer your support and assistance. Recognize and celebrate their achievements, contributions, and strengths, and give constructive and positive feedback. Avoid any behavior or language that may be offensive, insensitive, or disrespectful to their culture, identity, or dignity.

5 Build rapport and relationships

Trust is not only based on professional competence and performance, but also on personal connection and rapport. To build trust, you need to invest time and effort in developing rapport and relationships with your local colleagues and stakeholders. Show genuine interest and curiosity in their lives, hobbies, interests, and passions, and share some of your own. Find common ground and topics of conversation, such as sports, music, movies, or food. Join social events and activities, such as lunches, coffee breaks, or outings, and interact with them informally and casually. Express your gratitude, appreciation, and recognition for their work and support.

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?