How can you build relationships with people in different time zones?

I remember when I started working with teams all across the globe , I would often message them at odd hours and expect a solution from them. To build a relationship with the teams in different time zones one has to understand that simple gestures matter. It is important you know the time zone in which they are operating. You wait for them to start working , Greet them with the appropriate notations. I simply added the time zones I frequently use and synced them with my google calendar. Ensure if you are taking sessions for them you are giving them the breaks at the apt time as they might have schedules of their own .

Building relationships across different time zones requires communication flexibility and understanding. Schedule regular virtual meetings that accommodate everyone's time. Use online collaboration tools for asynchronous communication, allowing contributions at convenient hours. Be mindful of time differences, and establish clear expectations regarding response times. Foster a culture of inclusivity, appreciating diverse perspectives and time constraints. Prioritize effective communication with concise and clear messages. Emphasize flexibility and compromise to ensure everyone feels valued and involved. Regularly update each other on schedules and changes to maintain a strong, interconnected team despite geographical distances.

Clear concise messaging to convey your message is crucial. English is never a first language in my other countries. Knowing that some idioms or anecdotes may be lost on others would go a long way. Not everyone understands American football, not everyone is into cricket or basketball. So one country’s obsessions may not be what another country cares about. Learn to be relatable. Hence, tailor and calibrate your data and stories to make it relevant to the teams you’re talking to. Also, learning the local language shows you bothered too! So take sometime and learn some useful phrases on duolingo!

You get out the energy you put in. If you aren’t genuinely interested in who you are talking to. The person speaking to you can sniff it out in a split second. There’s no two ways around this. Go in with an open mind, seek to ask questions that you find fascinating about the person or culture they are from. Ask them about what makes them wake up each day? What would they do if they weren’t doing what they were doing? Asking is one thing, but more crucially remembering what they said or told you. That is the true litmus test of caring and remembering. And, that… shows you they matter.

The culture and the festivals play an important role all around the globe. It's always good to wish people such festivities - Christmas , new year , thanksgiving etc. Be open minded to ask relevant questions to explore the diversity and culture of the country. It's always better to widen your horizon.

Having worked across global teams, a gazillion time zones and cultures. Celebrations no matter how big or small does matter. A birthday? A wedding anniversary? A work anniversary or even a get well soon card goes a long way to letting your colleague that’s a million miles away show that you care. And again, I emphasise, genuinely care. Not just for the show, but to really follow up on them. I’ve sent flowers, cookies, handmade treats all over the world without asking for anything in return because all I wanted to do was to spread some joy in the life of my colleagues and friends! You are blessed so that you can be a blessing! Always remember that :)

Be vulnerable and transparent. You have to actively participate in a relationship if you want one. Relationships are not spectator sports, you need to actively engage in both speaking and listening. Be the example of an positive and active team member!