#AskTigerhall: Building a Global Team Across Diverse Cultures

Question:

"I’m creating a global team from scratch which involves hiring people from countries I’ve never been to, without personally having a sense of the culture where they are from. While interviewing candidates with limited knowledge of different cultures, how can I still ensure that I'm bringing together a group of people that will have a sense of team and work well together?"

You asked - we got an answer! This was a listener looking for advice from Ask Tigerhall. We asked Ido Gedasi , Global Head of Fraud Services at IBM , who has spent years building successful global teams, to proffer his wisdom.

Answer:

Creating a global team from scratch can be a daunting task, especially if you're navigating uncharted territories without a cultural compass! To ensure that your international team gels well here are some things to note:?

• Local Allies, Global Wins: During the recruiting phase, collaborate closely with local teams or HR professionals in the regions you're hiring from. They possess invaluable insights into their local talent pool and can help you make informed choices. Forge alliances with local teams or HR experts for invaluable hiring insights.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Delve into the intricacies of diverse cultures, akin to a seasoned explorer. Understanding nuances in communication and feedback styles is key.
• Set Expectations: During interviews, establish clear expectations regarding working hours, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity. Encourage candidates to voice their queries and concerns.
• In-Person Gatherings: Whenever logistics permit, arrange face-to-face meetings. It's an investment in building lasting bonds.
• Global Mission Focus: Emphasize the overarching mission that unites your global team. Each member plays a unique but crucial role in achieving this common objective.
• Virtual Meetings: Encourage people to keep their cameras ON for a more engaging interaction.
• Feedback Cultivation: Foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing insights about cultural differences and communication preferences. Adaptability is key.
• Embrace Humility: Recognize the limitations of your cultural knowledge and humbly seek wisdom from team members who possess cultural expertise.

With these balanced and professional strategies, you'll be well-equipped to lead a harmonious global team.?Podcast coming to Tigerhall soon!

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