Many successful companies have expanded their operations so that their services and products can be offered in a number of countries. The key to success within the company is uniting members of your team under a single goal. Because of language barriers, cultural differences, and differing time zones, this can prove to be a complicated task. However, in this article you will learn five tips that can help you connect your teams in different countries and ultimately help you to grow your business.
#1: Start With the Right Team Members
Unfortunately, there are many people who just want to clock-in and clock-out of their jobs. They seldom have any care about the company’s well-being and are only in their job for the income it can provide them. While it is great to have an employee who is motivated by their income, it is also preferable that employees have great communication skills, are driven by results, have a high sense of self-motivation, and can be open about their opinions on company matters.
#2: Use Technology
A big part of the human connection relies on face-to-face contact. This used to be impossible for companies who had teams in different countries. But today, with the help of technology, you can connect all of your offices. Use technology like conference calling or video conferences to help your team members become acquainted with one another. There’s nothing like putting a name with a face!
#3: Have a Universal Guide to Your Company
While some companies may decide to make sure all of their employees, no matter where they are located, speak the same language, that may not be a possibility for others. Instead of hoping that your team members can come together with the same goal, you can simply make sure that all of your employee materials are available and clear to all team members globally. This will help your company better define your mission and can also help act as a guide to help your employees remember how to refer to your brand and information so that you can maintain brand consistency across the cultural bounds.
#4: Consider Face to Face Meetings
Nothing will show your employees that you care about their connection to your company than bringing them in for a conference or meeting to your home base location. Host a conference or yearly training to bring all of your employees together in one place, even if limited to a regional basis. It can help connect you with your whole team and build a sense of unity that will only help your business.
#5: Leave time for Socializing
Businesses can become dazed by the “time is money” motto, but this can make your employees irritable and less interested in your company and its mission and vision. Instead of requiring your employees to work around the clock, encourage them to meet via video chat during a “social hour.” This should be separate from meeting times and only be used for team members to get to know their international counterparts. We share many of our employee experiences around the world on our social sites including Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
What are your thoughts and best practices? Share your stories!
-Todd
Todd Ringleman
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