Why do some teams excel in independence while others thrive on constant collaboration? 🤔 This is the puzzle of cross-cultural management I’ve faced while working with global teams. The answer often lies in two different management styles: Low Touch and High Touch.
🔹 Low Touch Management (common in Western cultures):
- Expect Expertise: Individuals are expected to be experts and work independently.
- Autonomy and Independence: Team members handle tasks on their own, and managers step in only when necessary.
- Problem-Solving: Issues are resolved by leveraging each person’s skills independently.
🔹 High Touch Management (common in Eastern cultures):
- Team Approach: Emphasis on collaborative problem-solving. Teams gather to discuss and find solutions together.
- Guidance and Support: Managers and leaders provide continuous support and feedback.
- Holistic Solutions: Solutions are developed by considering input from all team members.
As a Filipino manager in a remote work setting, I’ve learned to bridge the gap easily. Having worked with both Western and Eastern cultures, I’ve become adept at navigating how to approach my team better. I’ve also learned how to deal with clients by understanding these cultural differences in communication and interaction.
💬 Directness vs. Indirectness in Communication
In Low Touch management, communication is often direct and to the point. Meetings might not involve questions like, “Hey team member A, how’s your daughter?” Instead, the focus is on tasks and outcomes. Conversely, in High Touch management, building personal connections is vital. Discussions often start with personal check-ins to strengthen relationships and foster a supportive environment.
💡 4 Key Points to Managing Your Cross-Cultural Team Successfully:
- Get To Know Your Team: Understand where your team members come from and how they like to work.
- Adapt Your Leadership Style: Be flexible and adjust your management approach to fit the team and situation.
- Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue to understand how your team prefers to work and solve problems.
- Use Their Strengths: Utilize the strengths of both styles to create a balanced and strong team.
By blending these approaches, we can create a harmonious and productive workspace that respects cultural differences and leverages the strengths of a diverse team.
📣Calling All Managers! 📣
How do you navigate cross-cultural management in your teams? Do you lean more towards Low Touch or High Touch, or a combination of both? I’d love to hear examples of your experiences and learn from your strategies.
Share your stories with me hellojerome.work@gmail.com
#CrossCulturalManagement #TeamLeadership #LowTouchHighTouch #ManagementStyles #DiversityInclusion #TeamBuilding #Leadership
