How to Build Trust When Working Across Borders

Building trust can be a challenge in the best of circumstances — and it’s even harder across geographical and cultural borders. Based on new research, the authors offer three strategies for leaders looking to strengthen trust with colleagues and partners around the world: First, identify how your counterparts determine who is worthy of their trust, in order to better understand what you’ll need to do to earn it. Second, educate yourself on the unique perspectives of the community you’re working with. Finally, maintain a consistent message as much as possible, and be transparent when you do adapt that message for different audiences. Earning — and keeping — trust across international borders takes thoughtfulness and preparation, but in an increasingly global economy, it’s worth the effort.