The main goal of the introduction call between our consultants and expat partners is to build trust. Naturally, we explain the support programme and what it entails, but our priority is also ensuring the partner feels at ease with their consultant. Why is this so important?
Checking in
The first question is always: ‘How are you doing?’ It is not asked simply to be polite. At Global Connection, we want to understand where the partner is emotionally, and how and when we can best support them. Feeling overwhelmed before a relocation is completely normal. Partners are often wrapping up work, preparing for the move and managing practical concerns. If they are also worrying about children, schools or leaving behind parents, friends and familiar routines, there is often very little mental space left for anything else. At that stage, conversations about what they will do in the host country can feel like just another pressure, particularly when fears around career discontinuity are already weighing on their mind.
True feelings
That conversation is often the first moment when the partner feels seen and heard. For many, it becomes a chance to voice concerns or vent some of the pressure surrounding the relocation. This is where lived experience matters. All of our consultants have been expat partners themselves. Speaking with an empathetic person who has ‘been there, done that and bought the t-shirt’ helps partners feel comfortable enough to share their genuine feelings about the move, including worries, doubts and anxieties. Very often, the greatest reassurance is simply hearing that what they are going through is normal. That it is okay not to have everything figured out immediately. Okay to feel uncertain. And okay to feel anxious about the transition ahead.
Setting realistic expectations
Once that trust is established, it becomes possible to build a genuine relationship with the partner. Only then can we have meaningful conversations about what a fulfilling occupation or sense of purpose might look like during their time abroad. Because partners recognise our expertise and feel seen, heard and understood, we are also able to have honest and sometimes challenging discussions that help set realistic expectations.
From anxiety to excitement
It reminds me of a recent interview with expat partner Oscar Lopez Lacalle. Although already a seasoned expat partner, he described how his anxiety about relocating turned into excitement after speaking with his consultant. He also said that the support programme gave him ‘absolute peace of mind’ about the relocation. For me, that perfectly captures the real value of partner support and its importance to assignment success.
