A talented international team, diverse in thought, technical expertise, and supported by a strategic plan, should be an unstoppable force. Yet, many struggle with disengagement, miscommunication, and high turnover. The culprit? A lack of belonging.

Research shows that teams with a strong sense of belonging experience a 56% increase in job performance and a 50% reduction in turnover (Harvard Business Review, 2019). When people feel valued, respected, and included, they contribute more fully—and stay longer.

However, belonging is not a one-size-fits-all concept, especially in cross-cultural teams. What makes one person feel included might make another uncomfortable. To create an environment where everyone thrives, leaders must focus on three key areas: psychological safety, feedback mechanisms, and team rituals. These elements, when adapted to different cultural perspectives, build cohesion and drive performance.

1. Psychological Safety: The Foundation of Belonging

Coined by organisa...

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." This timeless wisdom from Aristotle is especially true regarding the culture within organisations and teams. 

Culture is the invisible force that shapes interactions among team members, their approach to work, and their engagement with the world. It plays a pivotal role in the success or failure of organisational strategies. 

I am sure your organisation also wants a culture that separates you positively from the competition.Your common narratives, goals, and practices that form the everyday working environment can be deciding factors in recruitment, talent retention, employee motivation, and how the company is perceived. 

Some companies have been successful in this:

Google could tap into enhanced team performance, increased employee satisfaction, and better collaboration across the company when they recognised psychological safety as a critical factor for high-performing teams in Project Aristotle. 

Mars International Travel Retail...