Dealing with an offshore authority?

Here are a few strategies you can adopt

With organisations expanding their frontiers all over the globe, it is becoming increasingly common for employees to report to foreign bosses. There are many unique aspects and issues that arise in such situations wherein one's superior is located overseas. Though technology has played a major role in bridging gaps and making virtual leadership possible, there is still potential to improve communication and coordination between such bosses and their juniors. There are many strategies that one can adopt to make such a relationship successful and easy.

What are the challenges associated with reporting to a foreign boss? Nilay Khandelwal, director, Michael Page India, answers, "A key challenge would be coor dination, as the difference in time zones is a common hindrance faced by employees who report to foreignbased bosses. The status gap is another factor that comes in the way of cordial relationships. It is difficult for off-shore bosses to command a certain level of trust and respect as the evident disparity in titles/salary levels can translate to a perceived discrepancy in status quo. Companies also face a cultural challenge as offshore bosses find it tough to comprehend the sheer multitude of Indian culture and festivals."

Abraham Alapatt, chief innovation officer and head - marketing and service quality, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, lists some good strategies to deal with such a situation, Adapting to work styles or culture is critical, especially when dealing with specific geographies' cultures; Understanding the way business is conducted - or even the way people talk business is critical - this will ensure that you are able to adapt and participate con structively; In some cases, comfort with English (usually the link language), or more commonly the accent, can lead to miscommunication. It is best to minute phone conversations on email soon after, so that everyone is on the same page; It is good to try and ensure a face-to-face interaction on a regular basis for feedback/updates, etc. It helps in ensuring a strong, positive personal equation, which is critical for a healthy professional environment.

It is always helpful to initially note how the boss' other juniors behave with and handle him/her to learn what to do. Yasmin Poonegar, director corporate communications, Hyatt International, South West Asia, elaborates, "The most important thing one can do at the workplace is to carefully listen and observe. It could be about presentation of new ideas or one's efficiency during meetings, etc. Observing both senior and junior colleagues at work is a great way to gauge how the gears in an organisation turn. It also gives one the chance to make mental notes of potential areas for self-improvement."

Tapan Mitra, chief human resources, Apollo Tyres Ltd, tells us about some other factors that can come into play in such situations, "While people often assume that the differences between the foreign bosses and their Indian reportees or vice versa due to time zone and cultural issues chiefly create problems, our experience says that such issues arise due to the lack of organising and planning skills from both sides. Other factors may be the lack of adherence to timelines, and not discussing things upfront. The virtual meetings or calls should be planned with everyone's consent, much in advance, keeping in mind the local holidays and difference in time zones. Having said that, the bosses and their juniors should be willing to accommodate each other's call/virtual meeting requests, even after working hours, using multiple communication tools."

Hence, it is possible to improve your relationship with your overseas boss using the above simple tools.

(Palak Bhatia)

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