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BEST PRACTICE 1)

Expat Support

Provide holistic support to include:

benefits package

local in-country support

family support

relocation briefing (pre / during / post).

Using English

Train non-native speakers for confidence levels.

Train native speakers to accommodate non-native speakers respectfully.

Make time and space for all to contribute in meetings, especially virtual ones.

Mindset and Attitudes

Be ready to trust.

Be curious.

Understand that relationships take time to build.

Virtual Teams

Use less email. Best option is face to face meetings, especially in "relationship" cultures.

If the situation is complex or critical, at least use the phone, or video conference where possible.


Negotiate and set agreed ground rules from the outset. It's easier to discuss critical issues if you have agreed in advance how to handle conflict.

What are preferences around means of communication and timing?

Can team members share non-task related info e.g. for birthdays or celebrations?

How do we best want to collaborate?


Give time for the relationship to build. Do not focus just on the task.

Meet face to face at the early stage of team formation where possible.


Take time for team reflection and feedback to each other.