HBR On Leadership How to Lead Across Cultures, Languages, and Geographies
May 17, 2023
Tsedal Neeley, a Harvard Business School professor specializing in global collaboration, dives into the complexities of leading diverse teams in today's hybrid work environment. She shares the inspiring case of Tauri Khan, who faced the daunting task of managing an underperforming, culturally varied group. The discussion highlights effective strategies for overcoming language barriers and fostering team dynamics. Neeley emphasizes the necessity of cross-cultural awareness and leadership skills to succeed in a globalized workforce.
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Due Diligence for Global Leadership
- Before accepting a leadership role, conduct thorough research.
- Talk to team members to pinpoint the root causes of any existing problems.
English-nization Challenges
- Language fluency differences lead to subgroup formation and polarization.
- This "English-nization" challenge requires specific policies for effective teamwork.
Language Barriers in Global Teams
- Tariq Khan observed team members segregating by language at a meeting.
- This lack of interaction created an "us vs. them" dynamic, hindering collaboration.