1.
What challenges have you faced working with a team that is in a different
country?
Time Zone Differences: Coordinating meetings and getting quick responses can
sometimes be challenging due to the time zone gap, which impacts real-time
collaboration.
Cultural Differences: Different work cultures can lead to varying expectations
around work pace, communication styles, and decision-making processes.
Communication Barriers: While we use tools like emails, Slack, and video calls,
language nuances and interpretation of certain terms can occasionally create
misunderstandings.
Solution: Effective planning of meetings at convenient times, setting clear
communication norms, and fostering an understanding of diverse work styles can help
mitigate these challenges.
2. Do you feel included in team discussions and decision making?
Response: Yes, I generally feel included in team discussions and decision-making
processes. The team encourages open communication and feedback, and I’m given the
opportunity to contribute to key decisions. However, at times, when the team is
working in smaller sub-groups or with more localized issues, it can be harder to
remain fully in the loop on all decisions.
Improvement Suggestion: It would be helpful if all team decisions and discussions
were regularly shared across the broader team to ensure that everyone feels
aligned.
3. How has your team and/or manager helped you to feel included since starting at
Clarkston?
Response: My team and manager have been very supportive in helping me feel
included. They prioritize regular check-ins, ensure I am updated on key projects,
and actively engage me in team meetings. My manager also ensures that I have the
necessary resources to succeed and offers constructive feedback to help me improve
continuously.
Specific Actions: They’ve invited me to important strategy discussions, given me
opportunities to share my input, and made sure I feel comfortable voicing my
opinions.
4. If not, what could be done to help you feel more like a part of the team?
Response: While I generally feel included, I believe that increasing informal team-
building activities, even virtual ones, could further enhance bonding across
different countries. More frequent and casual interactions, outside of work-related
discussions, would help strengthen relationships and enhance my sense of belonging.
Suggestion: Maybe scheduling informal “coffee chats” or “happy hour” sessions
virtually could help build more personal connections.
5. What information would be helpful for your PM/CSP to know regarding any cultural
differences between India and the US? This can be related to work expectations,
communication styles, giving and receiving feedback, etc.
Response:
Work Expectations: In India, there's often a strong focus on collaboration and
being very diligent with detailed work, while in the US, there's a quicker pace in
decision-making and implementation. Understanding these differing expectations can
help bridge any potential gaps.
Communication Styles: While Americans may appreciate direct and concise
communication, in India, people may prefer more detailed explanations and indirect
communication to avoid confrontation. It’s important to recognize that differing
communication styles may not be a lack of clarity, but a cultural difference.
Feedback: Constructive feedback in India is often provided in a more indirect,
gentle way, while in the US, feedback tends to be more direct. Knowing how to
adjust delivery to accommodate these cultural differences can lead to better team
understanding and performance.
Time Sensitivity: In the US, there’s often a greater focus on meeting deadlines
with precision, whereas in India, there might be more flexibility regarding
timelines, depending on the scope of the project.
6. What advice would you give to someone who is leading a global team?
Response:
Promote Open Communication: Ensure there are clear and open communication channels
and that team members feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns.
Be Culturally Aware: Understanding and respecting cultural differences, including
communication styles, work ethics, and feedback preferences, is key to leading a
successful global team.
Foster Inclusivity: Make an effort to include everyone in decision-making and
discussions, and ensure that there is a clear understanding of each team member’s
perspective.
Leverage Technology: Utilize collaborative tools like Slack, Teams, or Zoom to
bridge geographical gaps and maintain a consistent flow of communication.
Be Flexible and Adaptable: Recognize that working across time zones and different
cultures may require flexibility. Adaptability in scheduling meetings and managing
projects is essential.
Encourage Team Building: Organize virtual or in-person team-building activities to
help bridge any emotional or cultural distance.
