In an increasingly connected and decentralized business environment, managing teams and operations from a country different from one’s residence has become common practice. Luz Mar, a distinguished expert in this field, shared her valuable insights on the fundamental pillars that underpin success in this work model during Grupo STT’s podcast. Her analysis delves into how organizations can transform distance into a strategic advantage, fostering cohesion and performance on a global scale.
The foundation of effective remote management, according to Mar, lies in transparent and constant communication, bidirectional trust between leaders and teams, deep cultural adaptability, and the intelligent use of technology as an enabler. These elements are essential so that geographical distance does not become an insurmountable barrier, but rather an opportunity to expand horizons.
In the context of companies with a global presence, integrating cultural differences represents both a challenge and a great opportunity. Mar emphasizes the importance of transcending mere “tolerance” to reach a celebration of diversity. This is achieved through intercultural training at all levels, fostering open dialogue about cultural expectations in projects, and designing flexible processes that adapt to different work styles without compromising common objectives.
To attract, retain, and develop talent in diverse markets, especially when in-person interaction is limited, it’s crucial to create an attractive, global employee value proposition (EVP). This proposition should include competitive salaries aligned with the local market, clear professional growth opportunities, a strong sense of belonging to the company through organizational culture, and well-being programs designed to meet the needs of remote workers.
Information security and legal compliance are paramount concerns in multinational environments. Robust management in these areas involves establishing clear and globally applicable security and compliance policies and procedures, with necessary local adaptations. It is vital to complement this with continuous training for all employees, the use of encryption and data protection technology, and regular auditing of systems and processes to mitigate risks. Having legal and IT teams specialized in each region adds significant value.
Invest in people and culture.
Although technology and processes are important, ultimately, it’s the people who make everything work. Fostering trust, communication, and mutual respect is paramount. Remote management isn’t a temporary solution; it’s a way of working that, when well-implemented, offers immense growth potential.