The Global Workforce

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The Global Workforce

Joe Wynne

December 17, 2009





There are long-held assumptions you don’t question when your workforce exists within your own country: You understand what training they report having completed, you know what HR policies are common and you know your project plan is often the only thing that stands between workgroups coordinated toward completion of work and some kind of human maelstrom.
To avoid unpleasant surprises when the workforce is scattered throughout the globe, these assumptions must be dragged out into the light of day. Here are some examples inspired by my experience.
Assumption: Routine planning and problem-solving will suffice
Reality: Sure, you are experienced in best practices, but there are many surprises when you work with other nations and work cultures. The most basic things can cause frustration: bad phone connections, holiday confusion, standard software differences, conflicting HR policies and expectations.
  • Use your global collaborators to identify potential problems and plan to resolve them.



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