The book is based on interviews with leading executives from round the world. It asks: how well suited are human beings to work in a team that stretches across a dozen time zones.

“We think that we speak the same language but the real meaning is lost in translation. ‘I want to see you just now’, may mean sometime in South Africa but in the US it would mean immediately,” said Bloch.

The book makes the controversial claim that in business we are far slower at adapting to new ways of leading and working, then we are at developing information technology. One of the vital ingredients of business success is trust, yet this requirement is often buried beneath discussion of ownership structure, technology and financial accounts.

There are several key findings about managing in a flat world: There is no need for frequent travel in a flat world and travel must be used selectively. In an environment where command and control is dead, ‘flat’ teams need direction. The book elaborates on how often to meet colleagues in person and how to use precious face-to-face time.

It also speaks about understanding different cultures, but points out that culture has many directions. It is multi-faceted covering profession, generation, gender and organisation as well as nationality. It also emphasises on the importance of communications.

“People often complain about receiving numerous e-mails and how to cope with it. Communications is about relationships, not technology.’’

Susan Bloch has coached top teams in many FTSE100 and Fortune 500 companies across the globe over the past 20 years. She has lived and worked in five countries - South Africa, North America, Israel, the United Kingdom and India. Currently, she is on assignment as Chief Culture Officer for the retail division of Reliance Industries.