Rethinking GCC Leadership Series (6)-Relationships Across Distance

For GCCs, the ability to build trust and collaboration across borders is not just a soft skill it’s a business imperative.

While many GCC employees dream of international travel and on-site visits, the reality is changing. Travel budgets are tighter, sustainability goals are rising, remote collaboration is here to stay. So how do we build meaningful relationships without ever meeting in person?

One practical habit I always recommend: Block dedicated time for relationship-building.

- Choose one or two fixed time slots per week say, two hours total.
- Use 30-minute check-ins with colleagues you work with occasionally, and 60-minute slots for deeper collaboration partners.

Make these calls informal, focused on connection, not just tasks. At first, it may feel awkward to schedule time that doesn’t have an immediate business purpose. But over time, this becomes your relationship capital the trust and mutual understanding you’ll draw on when you need to align fast, influence decisions, or get things done across time zones.

How are you helping your teams build strong global networks without getting on a plane? Let’s share some practical strategies.