How to thrive in a shared services environment?

More often?than not in my interaction with various peers in the industry one common sentiment is of not feeling included in the global team. There many such multinational companies which have an extended arm in India however there is a clear lack of purpose or vision amongst many such teams/team members which eventually acts as a roadblock for an individual's career prospects

I have worked in similar set ups?in various organizations and below are my learnings which can help you to thrive in the shared services world :

1) Prove your worth

With India being looked upon as a talent hub benefitting companies on various fronts?there is no dearth of opportunities which will come your way.

Newer companies are very keen on establishing their offshore operations in India .

The key here is to strive for excellence in the quality of work you are?doing. Especially for organizations which have a relatively newer presence in India it’s important to gain trust, prove your worth and then move on to more exciting and interesting projects!

2) Understand the business

The first and foremost rule to thriving in a global set up is to understand what your company does!

You might be in IT, operations or?HR, till you don't?understand the business your company operates in, you won't be able to appreciate and relate how your?work fits in with the 'bigger picture'

Sometimes you need to feel emotionally connected to something to give your best . I call them ‘work triggers’

This point is a sure shot work trigger, makes you feel valued and adds to your productivity.

3) Set clear expectations and COMMUNICATE?

While this may come across as a very basic pointer , it's very important to be completely transparent in your expectations from the company. Just as any organization?has clear goals defined for its employees, the employee?needs to make his expectations?crystal clear to the management. Talk to your manager on what you wish to work on, on any apparent gap between the team at its headquarters and the offshore center. Think about ways to bridge this gap.

Is your work getting impacted because?of this gap? Are you not able to see the entire picture?

Think through all these points and brainstorm?a way to implement practices?which can benefit?the entire team.

You will be amazed at the results which can be achieved through a simple heart to heart conversation!

4) Adapt and Evolve

When you are working with teams across the globe a certain degree of flexibility is always needed.

This may be in terms of understanding and appreciating the cultural differences, way of communication and even something as basic as time differences.

I have had amazing onshore counterparts who offered flexibility in terms of taking calls during my morning times (their evening times).

When all team members have this inherent sense of empathy and understanding it always goes a long way in sustaining and further fostering growth for the team and eventually the organization as a whole.

5) Establish your foothold

On one hand when you are busy establishing?your hold on the global team, it's important to not lose sight of how you can add value to the India set up as well.

You can take on the?best practices learnt from your global team and try implementing that to the India set up and vice versa as well!

Especially in functions which have a decent?presence in India, it's crucial to work on perfecting that side as well.

The clear benefit of working on the India side of things is the results are clearly visible as opposed to a global role where things may not be as apparent.

6) Think like a TEAM

One of the leaders I had interacted?with had told me once-'You won't?always find the culture you desire in any organization?you join. however you have the capability in you to bring the culture you want and inculcate?it in your new company. It might start with just a couple of your team members but eventually will spread all across'.

His words have stayed with me and one thing which I learnt from this great leader was to think like?a TEAM.

It didn't?matter which location you were in, your opinion mattered. You concerns were heard. Whenever anyone needed help, everyone from across the globe stepped in.

Its paramount to not be weighed down by prejudices either inherent or perceived when you work in a country which is not the headquarters.

Don't think of yourself as anything less than the rest of the world.

Be brave, voice what you feel, and contribute to the success?of your team.

Within no time, these geographical barriers will disappear

As someone rightly said-till you don't?get a seat at the table, bring your own folding chair :)

To sum it up, I believe I have been privileged?to have gotten the opportunity to work with some of the greatest leaders and amazing human beings across the globe.

I have evolved as a professional and most importantly as a person through my interactions with the 'world' ( not an exaggeration for sure!).

If you keep an open mind, are willing to work hard and have enough grit, the world is your oyster.

Go on , shine, everyone is waiting for?you :)