Tips & Tricks for Managing Outsourced Teams in Different Geographies
Managing outsourced teams across geographies is like hosting a massive family reunion. Different cultures, personalities, and habits come together, sometimes clashing, but often creating something wonderful. If you’re navigating this dynamic and aiming for success, here are some practical (and slightly humorous) tips to keep everyone aligned, collaborative, and even having fun.
1. Creating a Culture of Collaboration and Teamwork
Think of your internal team and outsourced partners as a rock band. You need every instrument playing together to create music, not noise. Here’s how:
Communication is your drumbeat. Use tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom to maintain constant, transparent communication. Regularly scheduled syncs, with clear agendas, ensure no one is playing out of tune.
Define roles early. Misaligned expectations can sour relationships fast. Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities and how they fit into the bigger picture.
Celebrate wins together. Whether it’s landing a big client or simply hitting a milestone, throw a virtual party! Send local snacks or small tokens of appreciation to each geography—it’s a small gesture that can build trust.
Pro Tip: Avoid overloading your outsourced team with meetings at odd hours. No one loves brainstorming at 3 a.m. That’s my hot take and willing to die on that hill! It’s okay for you to also have a 5 am or a 9p meeting! :)
2. Easing Internal Team Anxiety Over Outsourced Success
Sometimes your internal team may feel like the cool new cousin is stealing the spotlight. Address this head-on:
Be transparent about goals. Clarify that outsourcing is not about replacing the internal team but augmenting their efforts. Present hard facts about how both teams complement each other’s strengths.
Showcase collaboration. Publicly highlight how internal and outsourced teams work together. For example, during town halls, call out joint accomplishments.
Provide growth opportunities. Ensure internal team members see paths to learn and lead. Offer cross-training programs so they can understand the outsourced team’s work and even learn new skills.
Pro Tip: Frame outsourced success as "our win" rather than "their win." It’s all about reframing the narrative.
3. Immersing Teams in Different Cultures and Personalities
Here’s where the fun begins. Diverse teams bring rich cultures, unique personalities, and some truly weird (but endearing) hobbies to the table. Lean into it:
Host cultural exchange days. Have a virtual potluck where teams share their favorite dishes or a “show and tell” about their hometowns.
Celebrate each other’s holidays. Make it a point to recognize major festivals across geographies. Diwali, Lunar New Year, or Thanksgiving—these celebrations can be great team-bonding moments.
Encourage hobbies and side projects. Maybe someone loves photography, or another team member has a knack for stand-up comedy. Share these passions in casual Slack channels or during icebreaker sessions.
Pro Tip: Keep a lighthearted tone. A well-placed joke about how everyone universally loves coffee (or tea) can go a long way in breaking the ice.
4. Ensuring Outsourced Partners Understand Context
You might have the best outsourced team, but if they don’t get the "why" behind their work, they’ll struggle to deliver. Context is king.
Invest in onboarding. Treat your outsourced team like an extension of your internal team. Share your company’s history, vision, and mission during onboarding.
Share customer stories. Real-life anecdotes about your customers help outsourced teams understand who they’re helping and why their work matters.
Use visual aids. Diagrams, videos, and dashboards that explain workflows, KPIs, and outcomes provide clarity. Sometimes, a well-drawn chart does wonders.
Encourage questions. Create a safe space where outsourced teams feel comfortable asking questions about the product, goals, or even company quirks.
Pro Tip: Avoid jargon overload. Telling someone to “leverage scalable synergies” might earn you an eye-roll, not clarity.
Bonus: Numbers Don’t Lie
The global outsourcing market is massive. It should reach near $400 Bilion by end of the 2024. Yes… with a B. Studies also show that companies who invest in clear communication and cultural alignment with their outsourced teams experience 27% higher productivity.
Wrapping Up (But Not Concluding)
Managing outsourced teams across geographies is challenging but rewarding. Build collaboration like a rock band, ease internal team anxieties like a pro mediator, celebrate cultural diversity like an enthusiastic traveler, and provide context like an inspiring storyteller.
