Building Trust as a Foundation of Informal Leadership: The India-Hungary Divide

In the early stages of my company’s expansion into development locations outside of Germany, I was tasked with overseeing a development project aimed at transitioning into a platform-business model. The setup, designed to please executive management’s directives on cost-cutting, involved distributing the bulk of development labor across Budapest and Bangalore, with only a handful of experienced but costly developers based in Germany.

The environment was challenging, compounded by the presence of self-imposing, ambitious, and politically savvy executives in these "low-cost locations" who guarded their kingdoms fiercely. The project had been running for 2.5 years without delivering any applications, and the Hungarian executive had done a far better political job, convincing my superiors that Hungary was delivering while India was lagging. The result was a fractured team, split into three separate parts, with the Indian team feeling particularly demoralized and marginalized.

Having spent time in both India and Hungary, I had a unique appreciation for both cultures. My backpacking tour of India in the early 90s had given me a deep affection for the country and its people and an understanding of their cultural background, while my connection to Hungary came from a community of Hungarian musicians in my hometown, a close friend and jazz band colleague being the son of one. This cultural appreciation provided me with the insight needed to build bridges between the divided teams.

The Power of Music and Metaphor

Before my first trip to India to meet the project team, I pondered how best to introduce myself and communicate my vision of unity and collaboration. I decided to use music, a universal language, to convey my message. During our initial meeting in Bangalore, I played "Lotus Eaters" by Andrew York, a piece performed by my guitar quartet. I let them listen until the end, then asked what they thought of the music and how it might relate to our work.

One colleague noted that several guitars were playing together, which provided the perfect segue into my explanation. I likened our project to a guitar quartet, where success depends on each player performing their part well. Key points included:

• Listening to Others: Just as in a quartet, each member must listen to the others to fit in harmoniously.
• Adapting to Changes: Players must adjust to speed shifts and difficult passages, much like adapting to project challenges.
• Balancing Voices: It’s not about being the loudest; everyone must play their part without overshadowing others.
• Supporting Each Other: When mistakes happen, the others help out, ensuring the music continues smoothly.

? Preparation: Each member must diligently work on their part, ensuring collective success.

Building Trust Through Communication

This initial discussion was transformative. It set the stage for open dialogue about our goals and working methods, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect. The Indian team appreciated my approach and the metaphorical lesson, which resonated deeply with them. They began to trust that I was committed to their success and not biased by the existing negative dynamics.

Lessons Learned

1. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and appreciating cultural backgrounds can significantly enhance communication and trust.
2. Metaphors as Tools: Using relatable metaphors can effectively convey complex ideas and foster understanding.
3. Active Listening: Demonstrating that you value input and feedback builds respect and trust.
4. Unified Vision: Clearly articulating a shared vision helps align disparate teams toward common goals.
5. Support and Adaptability: Showing willingness to support team members through challenges fosters a collaborative spirit.

Conclusion

Building trust is the cornerstone of informal leadership. By leveraging personal experiences and cultural insights, I was able to connect with my team in India, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration. This foundation of trust not only improved team morale but also enhanced our collective performance, ultimately contributing to the project's success. This experience underscores the importance of empathy, communication, and mutual respect in leading without formal authority.