How do you handle time zone differences when working with clients or stakeholders in other regions?

1. Digital Tools: Use apps like Savvy Time, Google Calendar to display multiple time zones. 2. Standard Reference Time: Pick a common time zone for meetings. Set standard times for main hubs like EMEA and North America. Or consider using Universal Time (UTC) as a Standard. 3. Communicate Time Zone Differences Clearly: Say "9 AM Eastern Time" for example. 4. Schedule Meetings Thoughtfully: Use Doodle or Calendly for time zone-friendly meetings. 5. Time Zone Transparency: Encourage indicating location changes (emoji on Slack). Remind the team to update time zone settings. 6. Ask: Ask for the timezone when unsure.

Whether you're across offices or fully remote, Across timezones and geographies, Or even across countries and cultures... Look up the timezone of attendees when you're scheduling a meeting. Sounds basic, right? But you'd be surprised... As a US-born Filipina-American who calls Spain home, many assume we're based in GMT, ET or PT. So whenever our team schedules calls with clients and partners, we always take a moment to (1) ask where they're based -or- (2) look up where they are here on LinkedIn. With World Time Buddy, we can create the meeting and confirmation email in their timezone. It's easy etiquette to show people we want to meet them "where they are". Especially as distributed teams become more and more common.

Start by figuring out the time zones of everyone involved. This will help you understand the overlap in working hours and avoid any scheduling mishaps. It’s the first step in making sure everyone’s on the same page.

Establish one or two core time zones that you use interchangeably to coordinate synchronous meetings. For example, if your core team is scattered across EMEA with outliers in APAC, you can utilize CET (Central European Time) and JST (Japan Standard Time) as the common time zones for meetings. We also encourage our client partners to create "live co-working blocks" to support synchronous work for your distributed team. For our own geographically distributed team, we set aside two-hour co-working blocks twice a week where we make ourselves available on our communication channels. This means that during this time, we're all available to answer a one-off question or hop on a quick call if need be in between all-group meetings.

Sometimes this is easier said than done. If you are unable to have common working time that works for everyone, compromise. Establish working times that negatively impact all parties evenly. Sometimes one location will need to stay late, whilst others start early. Collaborate and agree.

1. Survey Team Members: Conduct a survey to determine preferred working hours, considering time zones, personal schedules, cultural factors, and seasonal peak productivity times. 2. Identify Overlapping Hour to establish core hours for synchronous communication 3. Flexible Schedule: Allow flexibility outside core hours for personal commitments, promoting asynchronous communication. 4. Communication Protocols: Define clear communication protocols and use tools like Slack or email to ensure seamless communication. 5. Regular Review: Periodically review and adjust the common working time based on team feedback to optimize productivity. 6. Prioritize asynchronous communication for effective remote work.

1. Establish Communication Channels: Use platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom for messaging, calls, and meetings. 2. Use Clear Language: Avoid ambiguity by using concise language and avoiding jargon. 3. Use Global English: Ensure messages are understandable to non-native English speakers. 4. Set Expectations: Define response times and preferred communication methods clearly. 5. Regular Check-ins: Schedule meetings to share updates and address concerns promptly. 6. Document Everything: Keep records of discussions and decisions in shared documents, utilizing tools like Loom for clarity. 7. Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where ideas and feedback are welcomed openly.

When communicating across timezone and cultures, try to prioritize strategies that allow for async collaboration. Also, try changing the channel! Some great ways to communicate globally include: - Slack channels and threads to keep conversations contained - Loom videos to share verbal and nuanced feedback - Comments and version history on docs to encourage collaboration When developing these communication muscles, try to limit slang and colloquialisms as these don't always translate well!

Make sure you’re always clear about deadlines and expectations, especially with time zone differences in play. Regular check-ins and updates ensure that everyone stays aligned, even if they’re working at different hours. It’s all about keeping the lines of communication open.

Understand that not everyone will be available at all hours, so be flexible with your expectations. If someone needs to join a meeting outside their regular working hours, show appreciation for their effort. Respecting each other’s time builds a positive working relationship.

Leverage tools like world clocks, scheduling apps, and automation to make managing time zones easier. These tools can handle the heavy lifting of coordinating schedules, so you don’t have to. They’re a lifesaver when it comes to keeping things organize

Prioritize working asynchronously and in a digital first environment. This means: - Have a single source of truth for projects, goals and the progress towards them - Develop great written communication practices, like low context writing - Ensure people have access to the information and resources they need to be productive By operating transparently in a documented way, this helps folks retrieve information as they need it, vs. needing to find time with someone.