Strategies for Resolving Cross-Cultural Workplace Disputes
Navigating Challenging Relationships in Global Teams: Insights from Toyna Chin, Global Director of Marketing at Novotech
Toyna Chin, the Global Director of Marketing at Novotech, a leading global biotech CRO, has built a career leading complex global teams and navigating diverse business environments. In her journey, she has encountered various challenges in managing relationships with colleagues.
One of the key lessons Toyna Chin has learned is the importance of managing her own response rather than trying to "fix" someone else. She emphasizes the need to protect her energy and establish boundaries, framing them as enablers of collaboration rather than restrictors.
In a global team, expectations can vary dramatically across countries. What's considered "urgent" in one region may be "next week" in another. To avoid misunderstandings, Toyna Chin began following up meetings with clear, factual summaries.
Cultural sensitivity and awareness are crucial in global teams. Behaviors that are considered direct and acceptable in one culture can be perceived as aggressive in another. Toyna Chin advises adapting language to maintain clarity without being culturally tone-deaf.
Clear and open communication is another essential strategy. Use transparent, consistent communication channels and clarify expectations promptly. Seek to understand colleagues’ perspectives and concerns genuinely through empathy and active listening.
Flexibility and adaptability are also vital. Be ready to adjust approaches based on diverse working styles and time zones. Building trust and rapport takes time, but investing in relationship-building activities, whether virtual or in person, can help foster a collaborative environment.
Addressing issues early with a focus on collaboration and problem-solving rather than blame is key to conflict resolution. Toyna Chin believes that the most effective leadership response is not to change the other person, but to change how you choose to engage with them.
The book "Dealing with People You Can't Stand" by Dr. Rick Brinkman and Dr. Rick Kirschner can be beneficial for colleagues navigating challenging relationships, especially in global teams. The book breaks down difficult behaviors into recognizable archetypes, such as the Tank, the Sniper, the Know-It-All, the Whiner, and the No Person.
Letting go of the need for universal validation is important in leading a global team. Evaluate success by collective results, not personal approval ratings. Toyna Chin has encountered colleagues who undermined her, challenged decisions, withheld important details, delayed deliverables, and reshaped narratives to claim credit. Yet, she has learned to focus on the collective goal and not let personal challenges deter her from achieving it.
In conclusion, navigating challenging relationships in global teams requires cultural sensitivity, clear communication, empathy, flexibility, and conflict resolution skills. Building trust and rapport, being adaptable, and focusing on collective results rather than personal approval ratings can help facilitate smoother collaboration and help address challenges effectively in complex global work environments.
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