Leading a global team from a distance | The Global HR Dispatch Issue #5

Nowadays, wherever you are in the world, it’s not unusual to find yourself working alongside a developer from Delhi, a salesperson from Sydney, or a marketer from Mexico City.

Yet, a surprising disconnect remains - less than a quarter feel equipped to manage a truly distributed team.?

This begs the question: how do you lead, cultivate and nurture global teams from a distance from day one??

Onboarding is not like a vending machine?

You can't just punch in a new employee and expect them to dispense productivity. Sure, those self-service portals for onboarding are handy but it's no substitute for human connection.?

As Addie Johnsen GPHR, SHRM-SCP, Chief People Officer at Aperian , points out, onboarding is a prime opportunity to foster a culture of support and open communication. Think "inclusive questioning," not interrogation. Instead of asking “Are you comfortable with this task?” try asking “What support do you need to be successful with this task?”

Before you know it, everyone's asking thoughtful questions, and the world is a slightly more harmonious place. Or at least your office is.?

It's wine o'clock somewhere (and crunch time somewhere else) ?

Scheduling a meeting across five time zones — say, between your teams in Boston, London, Mumbai, Sydney, and San Francisco — is like trying to herd cats...on roller skates...while blindfolded.

Lauren Rollins , Manager, Global Talent Development at Akamai Technologies , suggests using time zone converters. These tools are essential for avoiding accidental 3 AM meetings (unless your team is nocturnal cats).

But sometimes, even tech can't fix everything. So, when a live meeting is impossible, get creative.?

Addie Johnsen, recommends "watch parties" for out-of-hours company calls.

Tools like Teleparty and Hyperbeam Watch Party can help facilitate these, allowing for shared screen viewing and even chat functionality. It's a great way to foster camaraderie and ensure everyone stays informed, even when the clock is working against you.

More than just a memo ??

Global policies aren't just about what the rules are, they're about how you explain them - think of it like explaining wifi to your grandma.?

Keep it simple, keep it clear, and then shout it from the rooftop (so grandma can hear)!?

Use every way you can think of: emails, videos, posters, even interpretive dance if you're feeling adventurous. Just make sure your message doesn't get mixed up and accidentally tell everyone they're getting a raise. That's a different kind of mess.

Get these insights and more in our free global workforce playbook.?We cover everything from hiring to onboarding to ongoing management, with actionable solutions to keep your distributed team happy and productive.?

Get your sanity-saving playbook here.

(or watch the webinar here)

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Words by Vina E. | Graphics by Piraisudan S