Wayne Turmel interviews Enrico Menichetti, head of Latin America and the Caribbean at VFS Global. They explore the intricacies of leading international remote teams and the cultural nuances of remote work in Latin America. Enrico shares his insights on self-awareness, cultural adaptability, and building trust across borders.

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Cultural Immersion: To lead effectively across cultures, immerse yourself in the local culture and show genuine curiosity about your team's environment and experiences.
2. Prioritize Self-Awareness: Understanding your own strengths, biases, and leadership style is the foundation for connecting with and managing diverse teams.
3. Adapt Leadership Styles: Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach; tailor your leadership to the cultural norms and communication preferences of your team members.
4. Build Trust Before Efficiency: Focus on creating genuine connections and trust within your team before jumping into quick, transactional communication.
5. Set the Stage for Collaboration: Start meetings with cameras on and create space for all team members to share their perspectives, respecting cultural differences in communication styles.
6. Focus on Execution: Foster a culture of getting things done by encouraging accountability and aligning team goals with individual contributions.
7. Lean into Discomfort: Take calculated risks and embrace challenges to grow as a leader, especially in unfamiliar or cross-cultural settings.
8. Address Conflict Thoughtfully: Recognize that conflict resolution varies across cultures; find a balance that respects individual approaches while maintaining harmony.