Mastering the Art of Building a High-Caliber Global Team
As your business embarks on the journey of expanding globally, building a stellar global team becomes a pivotal moment. In the book "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't" by Jim Collins, the author likens a company to a bus, emphasizing the importance of placing the correct individuals in the right seats. This metaphor becomes even more crucial for rapidly growing companies aiming to change tires while hurtling at a hundred miles per hour, particularly during international expansion. Your leadership team's initial task is to assemble the perfect group for this exhilarating ride.
The Four Critical Considerations in Building Your Global Team
1. Safeguard Your Culture Your company's identity, values, and culture are integral. You understand your organization, its principles, and the type of employees who thrive within it. While numerous highly qualified candidates may cross your path, not all will harmonize with your culture. It's vital to remember that only some talented individuals are an ideal fit for your company. Rushing to bring in talent to fill vacancies can have adverse consequences. Rushed hires may necessitate significant efforts to align them with your culture, often with limited success. This approach can lead to administrative complications and hinder productivity. Waiting for the right fit is always worthwhile.
2. Acquire Versatile Team Players In rapidly growing enterprises, hiring versatile team members, akin to "utility players" in baseball, emerges as a brilliant strategy. These individuals possess the capability to fill various roles in the field. They don multiple hats and adeptly adapt to evolving responsibilities. At the inception of your company, having such personnel proves invaluable. They offer flexibility as your business expands, and their multifaceted skills enable them to develop in diverse directions, fostering their professional growth. Whether you identify these utility players among your existing team or through resumes, prioritize their inclusion in your ranks.
3. Prioritizing Diversity Diversity is not just a commendable endeavor; it's also a wise business decision on numerous fronts. Research indicates that companies with ethnically and racially diverse management teams are 35% more likely to exceed industry average financial returns. Gender diversity can yield a 15% higher likelihood of surpassing industry averages. Various groups tend to be more productive and profitable—vital for companies experiencing rapid growth. Moreover, potential employees increasingly seek diversity when considering job opportunities. Consequently, managing diversity should be integral to your recruitment and professional development efforts. Ensure a diverse candidate pool for every position and consider variety in all forms, including gender, race, age, and experience level.
4. Maintain Engagement Once you've assembled an exceptional team, retaining their engagement is paramount. Implement the following strategies:
- Conduct On-Site Training: Organize intensive training sessions, like our one-week GP University at Globalization Partners. This equips new hires and immerses them in your culture from day one.
- Foster Engagement Opportunities: Hold department meetings and monthly all-staff gatherings and schedule regular check-ins with remote employees across various time zones.
Building a global team is an art; mastering it ensures your business's successful international expansion. By preserving your culture, acquiring versatile talent, embracing diversity, and nurturing engagement, you pave the way for global triumph.