5 Ways On How We Work As A Global Team

By Yanna Solace Adofina

A few years ago, working as a global team would be defined as a big corporation with several branches in the world's major cities. Executives would be flown in to meet several people in large, impersonal conference rooms, before catching a red-eye to another city to do it all over again. But the idea of having a global team has started to change in the last few decades with the advent of remote work. Working remotely has allowed different companies to harness talent all over the world without having to finance relocation and other unnecessary costs. When the global pandemic hit, running a global team not only became possible for most companies; they found it to be very feasible for both short term and long term.

lifelab is composed of a global team comprised of three members based in Germany; while two members are in the Philippines. Co-founders Hannes and Lisa started their life safari in 2016, while Yanna, Naomi, and Nora hopped on in 2018, 2019, and 2020 respectively. lifelab's complete transformative journey throughout the years has been a testament to how remote work is not just possible, but definitely worth pursuing.

There are five ways that helped us work as a global team:

1.) Constant communication - email, messaging and meeting apps have allowed us to be in touch with each other as we pursue projects together. We make sure to meet each other every week as a team, and have smaller meetings as we do project-based work.

2.) Agile tools for tasks and learning resources - Trello has been a great resource for us, as we are able to delegate tasks in a timely manner, without having to over communicate. Loom is also very helpful in providing instructional content and further learning.

3.) Trust, connection, and empathy - at lifelab, we encourage building actual friendships with one another. It is important to celebrate each other's wins, professionally and personally. We make sure to check in on each other as needed, and have team building exercises with a leadership coach.

4.) Cultural awareness - besides the 5-6 hour time difference, we also take the time to appreciate and respect each other's cultural insights. We try to celebrate both countries' holidays, and share unique traditional practices.

5.) Shared values - this has been the main aspect that glues us together. We are all crazy misfits that do not fit any mold, with our head in the clouds and feet on the ground. We champion the unconventional, and embrace diversity for our community. While we value talent and hard work, we also make sure that we are united in what we believe in.