Managing global teams isn’t always easy, even with all the new advances in technology. And cross-training global teams can be even more challenging than managing them. However, if you’re interested in cross-training your teams based around the globe, here are four tips that you should follow.
Use Cloud-Based Systems
When training teams across the globe, you’ll want to host all your training content in a cloud-based system that participants can access via an Internet connection. You can rely on cloud-based systems to host webcasts and meetings over the Internet, too, as well as store relevant training modules and resources. Cloud-based systems ensure your trainees are learning from the best trainers possible at any time that’s convenient for them regardless of where they’re located.
For example, even if your operations team is currently located in California, you can easily expand your number of operations associates and their skill sets to Hong Kong or London by cross-training employees via cloud-based systems.
Unlock Your Company’s Regional Data
When developing your global cross-training programs, you’ll want to consider looking at a map to discover where around the world certain skills and expertise in your company are lacking and needed. For instance, do you only have customer call centers located in a single time zone? Or do you only have Web designers in one region of the globe? Once you view these data, you’ll know where to start promoting your cross-training cloud-based programs.
Develop Peer Mentorship Programs Across Regions
Peer mentorship programs developed across regions allow employees to become better aware of all the different aspects of your organization and how it operates around the globe. They’ll easily become cross-trained in how different departments and facilities around the globe in your organization are run and operated and how that affects their daily work. And they’ll build relationships with their peers across the globe to collaborate with on future projects and tasks as they are learning.
Encourage Everyone to Use Messaging Dashboards
This is a simple and very cost-effective way to promote cross-training across global teams. Provide all employees with access to the same online dashboard where they can leave tips, best practices, information, resources, etc., for their cohorts across the globe. Many learning management systems (LMS) already have dashboards available. Promote social learning via this dashboard, too. And encourage employees to share links to resources and other information they may think others will find useful to their daily work or career trajectories.
Be sure to follow the tips above to successfully cross-train your global teams.