Last updated on Jun 18, 2024

You’re working abroad and feeling disconnected from your team. How can you develop a global mindset?

Working abroad can be an exciting and rewarding opportunity to advance your career, learn new skills, and experience different cultures. However, it can also pose some challenges, especially when it comes to communicating and collaborating with your team members who are located in different countries and time zones. You may feel isolated, misunderstood, or frustrated by the differences in work styles, expectations, and norms. How can you overcome these barriers and develop a global mindset that will help you thrive in your international role?

1 What is a global mindset?

A global mindset is the ability to adapt to and appreciate diverse perspectives, cultures, and contexts. It means being open-minded, curious, and respectful of others, and recognizing the value of diversity and inclusion. A global mindset also involves being aware of your own assumptions, biases, and preferences, and how they may affect your interactions with others. Developing a global mindset can help you communicate more effectively, build trust and rapport, and solve problems creatively with your team.

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John Lord Couper, Ph.D.

My bespoke training in transition success, confidence, & productivity helps individuals & businesses turbocharge their communication & mindset skills
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Professionals often have trouble operating in new environments. During five decades living and working on five continents, I learned to... * recognize that there are many ways to reach any goal, and some will be better than those you know, * identify similarities between new conditions and what you're used to, * expect to screw up: instead of feeling annoyed at misfires, celebrate victories, * realize that local people empathize and appreciate your efforts... especially if you stay cheerful and constructive, * respect their knowledge of what works, and adapt your goals to include, * ask about and be part of local activities etc. * see yourself as an explorer, and what happens as adventures!

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2 How to assess your global mindset?

Before you can improve your global mindset, you need to know where you stand. There are several tools and frameworks that can help you assess your level of global competence and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. For example, you can use the Global Competence Aptitude Assessment (GCAA), which measures four dimensions of global competence: cognitive, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and global awareness. You can also use the Global Mindset Inventory (GMI), which measures nine attributes of global mindset: intellectual capital, psychological capital, and social capital. These assessments can help you set goals and track your progress.

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3 How to learn from your team?

One of the best ways to develop a global mindset is to learn from your team members who have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. You can do this by engaging in regular and meaningful conversations with them, asking questions, listening actively, and giving feedback. You can also seek their input and advice on work-related issues, challenges, and opportunities. By doing this, you can gain insights into their work culture, values, and preferences, and understand their expectations and needs. You can also demonstrate your interest, respect, and appreciation for them, and build stronger relationships.

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4 How to leverage technology?

Technology can be a powerful tool to facilitate communication and collaboration with your team, but it can also create some challenges. For example, you may face technical issues, language barriers, or misunderstandings due to the lack of non-verbal cues. To overcome these challenges, you need to leverage technology effectively and strategically. You can do this by choosing the most appropriate mode of communication for each situation, whether it is email, phone, video, or chat. You can also use technology to enhance your cultural awareness and learning, such as by using online resources, platforms, and tools that can help you learn about your team's culture, language, and etiquette.

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5 How to manage your time?

Working across different time zones can be challenging, especially when it comes to scheduling meetings, coordinating tasks, and meeting deadlines. You may have to deal with conflicting priorities, expectations, and rhythms, and balance your work and personal life. To manage your time effectively, you need to plan ahead, communicate clearly, and be flexible. You can do this by creating a shared calendar with your team, setting clear and realistic goals and expectations, and respecting each other's availability and preferences. You can also use time management tools and techniques, such as prioritizing, batching, and delegating, to optimize your productivity and efficiency.

Developing a global mindset is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires commitment, curiosity, and courage. By following these tips, you can enhance your global competence and performance, and enjoy the benefits of working abroad with your team.

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𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚 Horáková

🏔️Your Living Abroad Energiser Enabling You To Lose The Weight of Stress, Overwhelm & Exhaustion & To Achieve Your Mountains | Coaching for Ambitious Professionals & Boosting Expat's Energy for Things that Matter 🏔️
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You have just moved to a new country and you have lived here for some time. It takes time to adapt to new environments, I'd recommend to manage your time - well more your energy - working is not the only value - so you better engage with others. Also meet your colleagues for (virtual) coffee chats

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6 Here’s what else to consider

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You’re working abroad and feeling disconnected from your team. How can you develop a global mindset?

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1 What is a global mindset?

2 How to assess your global mindset?

3 How to learn from your team?

4 How to leverage technology?

5 How to manage your time?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Working Abroad

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You’re working abroad and feeling disconnected from your team. How can you develop a global mindset?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 What is a global mindset?

2 How to assess your global mindset?

3 How to learn from your team?

4 How to leverage technology?

5 How to manage your time?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Working Abroad

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