What is one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to build a global team for their business? What factors should they prioritize, and why?

Question

Building a global team can be the key to taking your business to the next level, but it's not without its challenges. Expert insights from CEOs and Founders highlight that cultural intelligence and company values are crucial factors to prioritize. With sixteen unique perspectives, this article first emphasizes the importance of aligning on values and communication styles. The final piece of advice focuses on the necessity of prioritizing cultural variety and flexibility within your team.

Ronald Osborne · Answer

When building a global team, one of the most critical pieces of advice I'd give is to prioritize cultural intelligence and alignment with your company values. Hiring globally introduces incredible diversity, which can drive innovation, but it also comes with challenges in communication, work ethics, and expectations. To navigate this, ensure you deeply understand the cultural nuances of the regions you're hiring from and create a structure where those differences enhance your business rather than create friction. Additionally, invest in onboarding and training programs that focus on shared goals, clear expectations, and fostering mutual respect among team members. The right technology, tools for seamless communication, project management, and time zone coordination, is essential to bridge the physical gaps. 
In one of my international ventures, I helped a UAE-based company scale its operations by assembling a global team spanning four continents. During this process, I identified communication gaps as a major hurdle. I implemented a system where team members participated in cross-cultural workshops and monthly strategy sessions to ensure alignment. This not only improved workflow efficiency but also boosted morale, as employees felt seen and valued. My experience with managing businesses across Australia, the UAE, and the US helped me anticipate these challenges and design solutions early. Within 18 months, the company's productivity increased by 40 percent, and employee retention across borders improved significantly. My background in telecommunications and finance also played a pivotal role in selecting the right tools to keep the team synchronized. This experience showed me that cultural alignment and effective communication are non-negotiable when building a global team.

V. Frank Sondors · Answer

When building a global team, it's important to be aligned on the same values and communication styles over just skills and experience. People from different parts of the world bring unique perspectives, but if they're not on the same page about how to work together, it can lead to miscommunication and inefficiencies.
One thing that worked well for us was creating a shared set of working principles that everyone could buy into, regardless of their location. It's not about forcing a single culture but setting expectations for how the team collaborates, solves problems, and makes decisions. During the hiring process, we focus on whether someone can thrive in that environment just as much as their technical abilities.
Making communication seamless should be a priority. Time zones and cultural differences can become challenges if you don't plan ahead. We invested in tools that ensure transparency, like a shared project management platform, and scheduled team meetings that rotate to accommodate different time zones. This balance between structure and flexibility has allowed us to create a team that feels cohesive even though we're spread across the globe.

Christian Marin · Answer

During a major game development project at FreezeNova, I found that hiring for cultural fit and adaptability matters more than just technical skills. We once hired a brilliant developer who couldn't adapt to our async communication style and it created friction, so now I always include a trial period where new team members work on a small project to test their collaboration style.

John Watling · Answer

Building a global team is an exciting challenge, but one thing I always emphasize is the importance of cultural alignment. When you're bringing people together from different regions and backgrounds, it's crucial that everyone understands and buys into the company's core values and mission. That alignment creates a strong foundation, even when teams are spread across the globe.
The next factor I'd prioritize is clear communication. You can't rely on face-to-face interaction as much, so establishing strong communication channels and ensuring that there's a clear, shared understanding of goals, expectations, and feedback loops is key. Use technology to your advantage - tools like project management software, video calls, and collaborative platforms can help keep everyone on the same page.
And finally, invest in building relationships. While tech helps with the logistics, real success comes from creating a sense of connection and trust. Encourage cross-team interactions, virtual meetups, and collaborative projects. A global team works best when everyone feels like they're part of something bigger than just their local office.

Gregory Rozdeba · Answer

When building our insurance platform team at Dundas Life, I discovered that clear documentation in everyone's native language was more important than fancy collaboration tools. We started creating process guides in multiple languages and using simple, clear English in meetings, which helped reduce misunderstandings by about 70% and made our global team feel more included.

Barbara McMahan · Answer

Building global teams has shown me that success starts with establishing a 'culture first' mindset before diving into skill requirements. When I helped a tech company expand to Asia, we spent three months on cultural training and communication protocols first, which prevented countless misunderstandings and made our technical collaboration so much smoother later on.

Ahmad Elzahdan · Answer

When building a global team, prioritize skills alignment and the ability to leverage technology effectively. At Audo, we use AI-driven tools to streamline job matching and career development, ensuring that our team members can focus on what they do best, regardless of their location. This not only improves efficiency but also fosters a sense of purpose and belonging among team members.
Focus on creating personalized learning and growth paths for your team. Our approach at Audo involves using AI Career Concierge to tailor growth opportunities. This improves employee satisfaction and retention and helps align individual and company goals, which is crucial in a global setting.
Lastly, emphasize the importance of a unified vision. At Audo, we are a diverse team, yet we're unified in our commitment to empower learners worldwide. This shared mission keeps us aligned and motivated, no matter where we are in the world.

Jean Christophe Gabler · Answer

One of the first things I would suggest when putting together a foreign team is making sure that everyone works well with different time zones. The core meetings at YogiTimes are held when most team members can attend. We try to pick times that work well for people in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. We can connect in real time, which helps us make decisions faster and communicate more easily. Since people live in different time zones, it's important not to leave anyone out because of the difference in hours.
I've found that planning these hours to meet helps the team get into a flow. It lets everyone provide feedback and share ideas without feeling cut off from the rest of the group. For example, someone doesn't have to wait all night for feedback; they get it almost right away. This speeds up the process and makes the environment more lively. This kind of planning also prevents team members from feeling isolated because they know they are always communicating with each other.
For me, clear and effective time zone planning sets the tone for collaboration and communication. It's a simple way to make sure everyone is involved and that their contributions are respected. The team will move much faster and everyone will be on the same page once you get the hang of it.

Khurram Suhrwardy · Answer

Consider building your team around different time zones to create a "schedule sun" - where someone is always awake to handle projects, similar to how the sun never sets on a global empire. In my line of film transcription work, quick turnaround times are crucial, and having transcriptionists across various time zones ensures 24/7 coverage while maintaining work-life balance for your team members.

Fawad langah · Answer

When building a global team, my key piece of advice is to prioritize cultural diversity and communication. A global team will inevitably span different time zones, cultures, and work styles, so fostering an environment of open communication and mutual respect is crucial. Understanding and embracing these cultural differences helps ensure smoother collaboration and reduces misunderstandings.
Start by hiring team members who not only possess the necessary skills but also demonstrate adaptability and an openness to learning about different cultures. Invest in tools and technology that facilitate communication, like project management software and video conferencing platforms, which help bridge geographical gaps and keep everyone aligned.
Additionally, establish clear expectations and promote inclusivity by actively considering time zone differences, language barriers, and cultural nuances in meetings and deadlines. Make sure that your communication is clear, concise, and accessible to all team members. Encourage regular feedback and ensure that everyone's voice is heard, which fosters a sense of belonging and engagement.
By focusing on these factors, you create a cohesive and collaborative global team, which ultimately drives success and innovation across borders.

Chris Dyer · Answer

When building a global team, prioritize cultural alignment and communication clarity. Start by establishing shared values and goals that transcend geographic boundaries. This ensures everyone feels connected to the mission, regardless of location.
Invest in tools that foster seamless communication, like Slack or Zoom, and encourage practices like asynchronous updates to accommodate time zones. Also, consider hiring for adaptability, as global teams require people who thrive in diverse environments and can navigate cultural nuances.
Lastly, don't underestimate the importance of building trust. Regular check-ins and creating opportunities for team bonding-whether virtual or in-person-can unify your team and drive long-term success.

Justin Abrams · Answer

One thing I would advise a team trying to build a global team is to hire people who possess both the cultural competence and technical skills to do the job. It is not enough to simply hire the best engineer or salesperson in each market; you must have people who can address cross-cultural communication and collaboration.
Beyond individual hires, creating a team culture that celebrates and capitalizes on diversity is critical. This includes cross-cultural learning opportunities—for instance, language classes or cultural exchanges. This also means having strong onboarding processes that help newly hired employees learn about the company's values and norms while making room for their new hire to contribute with fresh perspectives.
Ultimately, the optimal global team is one in which diversity is not something to be overcome but rather a strength to be leaped upon. Focus on cultural competence and an inclusive environment will enable you to maximize the full potential of your international talent pool and position your business for success on the global stage.

Rachael Wilson · Answer

Build your team around shared values and clear communication. Time zones and cultural differences are manageable, but misaligned goals or poor communication will sink your ship. Invest in tools for seamless collaboration, prioritize people who fit your company culture, and make expectations crystal clear from day one.

Shehar Yar · Answer

One piece of advice I would give to someone looking to build a global team is to prioritize cultural diversity and communication skills. As you expand your team across different regions, it's crucial to understand that effective collaboration is more than just about technical expertise. Cultural awareness ensures that all team members feel respected, valued, and included, regardless of their background. Encouraging open communication and adaptability fosters a sense of unity and ensures that team members can navigate any challenges arising from time zones, language barriers, or differing work styles. Prioritizing these factors helps in creating an environment where everyone contributes their best ideas, fostering innovation and creative problem-solving. A global team with a strong sense of cultural understanding and seamless communication leads to higher productivity and greater alignment on shared goals. This also builds trust and ensures that the team can collaborate effectively, which is essential to delivering results that meet the needs of a global customer base.

Dhari Alabdulhadi · Answer

Prioritizing cultural variety and flexibility is a crucial piece of advice for creating a global workforce. Employ people who are willing to work across cultural boundaries and who provide distinct viewpoints. This encourages innovation, creativity, and an international perspective in your company. Additionally, to ensure smooth cooperation, give priority to clear communication by putting in place procedures and tools that cross time zones and language boundaries. Invest in team-building exercises to foster a strong feeling of unity and purpose. Lastly, to guarantee seamless operations in every area, keep in mind legal and logistical factors including regional labor regulations and tax compliance.

Shaun Bettman · Answer

My advice to someone looking to build a global team is to prioritize hiring for fit, not just skills. While technical expertise is important, it's the alignment with your company's values and long-term vision that makes the difference between someone who can do the job and someone who can thrive in your culture. If you bring in people who share your goals and beliefs, you'll see them integrate more easily into the team, contribute more meaningfully, and stay motivated even when challenges arise.

16 Tips for Building a Global Team for Your Business

16 Tips for Building a Global Team for Your Business

Prioritize Cultural Intelligence and Company Values

Align on Values and Communication Styles

Hire for Cultural Fit and Adaptability

Emphasize Cultural Alignment and Clear Communication

Use Clear Documentation in Native Languages

Establish a 'Culture First' Mindset

Prioritize Skills Alignment and Technology Use

Ensure Effective Time Zone Planning

Build Around Different Time Zones

Focus on Cultural Diversity and Communication

Promote Cultural Alignment and Communication Clarity

Hire for Cultural Competence and Technical Skills

Build Around Shared Values and Communication

Prioritize Cultural Diversity and Communication Skills

Prioritize Cultural Variety and Flexibility

Hire for Fit, Not Just Skills