Leading Global Teams in egalitarian and hierarchical structures.

Working across cultures involves a variety of complexities that, if managed incorrectly, may disrupt the intended strategy. This can be costly, especially when speed and support are of the essence. Derailments are usually a result of management holding on to their assumptions of what kind of environment and guiding principles teams need in order to thrive.

In my work, I have noticed that managers who have their roots in more individualistic societies tend to overlook that the vast majority of the global workforce is used to hierarchical structures and collectivist values.

Leaders must be willing to evolve their style and approach, recognising that what works in one cultural setting may not resonate in another. This means moving beyond a one-size-fits-all leadership model and developing the ability to flex between different styles depending on the cultural norms and expectations of the team or region they’re engaging with. Reap the rewards of moving seamlessly between egalitarian and hierarchical structures.

Ultimately, the most successful leaders are those who view cultural diversity not as a challenge to overcome, but as a rich source of insight and a basis for smarter innovation. By embracing flexibility and continuously refining their approach, leaders position themselves and their organisations for sustainable progress in an interconnected world.

Do contact us if you’d like your company to benefit from an online session to boost international team performance.

Janet Poot