Building across Borders

There’s a common belief that it’s inefficient to work with international teams, particularly when building something as complex as a business or product. However, that hasn’t been my experience at all. In fact, working with globally distributed teams has been a key factor in my success.

The Benefits of a Global Workforce Collaborating with teams across different locations not only allows you to leverage labor cost arbitrage, but it also opens the door to access the best talent worldwide. No matter where your team members are based, what matters most is their skill, dedication, and ability to contribute to the vision.

Some of the best work I have done—and continue to do—has been with people and teams located around the world. Their diverse perspectives and experiences often lead to more innovative solutions than could be achieved within a single geographical region.

Recommendations for Working with International Teams

1. Take Responsibility for Your Team's Success. Early in my career, a mentor gave me invaluable advice: "Your people are your responsibility." Whether your team is based locally or internationally, the success or failure of your team largely rests on your shoulders. It’s your job as a leader to ensure that they have the resources, guidance, and support they need to succeed.
2. Provide Context for Better Problem Solving. No matter where your team is located, providing them with the broader context and the "why" behind tasks is crucial. When teams understand the reasoning behind decisions, they are far better equipped to frame problems and offer creative, effective solutions.
3. 3. Establish a Clear Way of Working. A clear process is crucial for distributed teams, ensuring visibility into the flow of work. This includes using the right tools and technology, such as project management software (Asana, Jira) and communication platforms (Slack, Teams), to keep everyone aligned. Additionally, regular ceremonies like daily stand-ups or weekly check-ins help maintain connection, share progress, and address challenges, reinforcing accountability across the team.
4. Empower, But Stay Engaged. While it’s important to empower your team members, it’s equally important to stay close to the work. Don’t simply hand over tasks and expect them to be completed without follow-up. Engage with your teams regularly, review progress, and stay on top of the flow of work through your established process.

Summary

Working with international teams isn’t inefficient—in fact, it’s a strategic advantage. By tapping into global talent and implementing strong leadership practices, you can foster creativity, solve problems more effectively, and build successful products. To achieve this, take responsibility for your team’s success, provide them with the context they need, establish a clear working process, and stay engaged with the work while empowering your teams.

Rob Heffernan