How can you build strong professional relationships with colleagues in different time zones?

1 Respect their schedules

One of the first steps to building strong professional relationships with colleagues in different time zones is to respect their schedules and availability. This means being aware of the time differences, avoiding scheduling meetings or calls at inconvenient hours, and communicating your expectations and deadlines clearly and in advance. You can use tools like Google Calendar, World Time Buddy, or Calendly to sync your calendars, find the best times to meet, and send invitations and reminders. You can also set your status or availability on your communication platforms, such as Slack, Zoom, or Teams, to let others know when you are online, offline, busy, or away.

4 Be flexible and adaptable

A fourth tip to build strong professional relationships with colleagues in different time zones is to be flexible and adaptable to their needs and preferences. This means being willing to compromise, negotiate, or adjust your plans, goals, or methods, depending on the situation or context. You can also be open-minded, curious, and respectful of their opinions, perspectives, or feedback, and listen actively and empathetically to their concerns, challenges, or suggestions. You can use tools like Trello, Asana, or Jira to manage your projects, tasks, or workflows, and track your progress, performance, or results. You can also use tools like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet to have regular check-ins, updates, or reviews with your colleagues, and discuss your expectations, roles, or responsibilities.

5 Seek and offer support

A fifth strategy to build strong professional relationships with colleagues in different time zones is to seek and offer support to them whenever possible. This means being proactive, helpful, and cooperative, and sharing your knowledge, skills, or resources with your colleagues. You can also ask for help, advice, or feedback from your colleagues, and show your willingness to learn, improve, or grow with them. You can use tools like Slack, Teams, or Discord to create and join communities, groups, or channels for different topics, issues, or goals, and exchange information, ideas, or solutions. You can also use tools like Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning to access and share online courses, webinars, or podcasts on various subjects, skills, or trends.

6 Build trust and credibility

A sixth and final way to build strong professional relationships with colleagues in different time zones is to build trust and credibility with them. This means being honest, reliable, and accountable, and delivering on your promises, commitments, or expectations. You can also be consistent, professional, and respectful, and follow the rules, policies, or standards of your organization or industry. You can use tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store and share your files, documents, or reports, and ensure their security, accuracy, or quality. You can also use tools like Zoom, Webex, or GoToMeeting to present your work, achievements, or results to your colleagues, and demonstrate your value, expertise, or impact.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?