Virtual teams are growing in popularity since many companies continue to grow and expand in different areas. But sometimes learning to manage a team that we can’t physically see every day can be difficult. When we learn how to manage our local teams, as well as our virtual teams, we can form a group that works together to increase productivity and provides a new perspective on any project.
Research has consistently demonstrated that when clear goals are associated with learning, it occurs more easily and rapidly. At the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Know the keys to establishing a virtual team
- Learn how to hold effective meetings and group sessions
- Learn effective ways to communicate with team members
- Use tools to build trust and confidence among employees
- Know how to handle poor performing employees
- Know how to manage a virtual team during any project
Setting Up Your Virtual Team (I)
- Choose Self-Motivated People with Initiative
- Face to Face Meetings at First (Kick-off Meeting)
- Diversity Will Add Value
- Experienced with Technology
- Case Study
- Assessment
Setting Up Your Virtual Team (II)
- Personality Can Count as Much as Skills
- Rules of Engagement
- Setting up Ground Rules
- Icebreakers and Introductions
- Case Study
- Assessment
Virtual Team Meetings
- Scheduling Will Always Be an Issue
- Have a Clear Objective and Agenda
- Solicit Additional Topics in Advance
- Discourage Just Being a Status Report
- Case Study
- Assessment
Communication (I)
- Early and Often
- Rules of Responsiveness
- Face to Face When Possible
- Choose the Best Tool
- Case Study
- Assessment
Communication (II)
- Be Honest and Clear
- Stay in Constant Contact
- Equipment Changes
- Set Up Email Protocols
- Case Study
- Assessment
Building Trust
- Trust Your Team and They Will Trust You
- Beware of “Us vs. Them” Territorial Issues
- Share Best Practices
- Create a Sense of Ownership
- Case Study
- Assessment
Cultural Issues
- Respect and Embrace Differences
- Be Aware of Different Work Styles
- Know Your Team Members Cultural Background
- Dealing with Stereotypes
- Case Study
- Assessment
To Succeed With a Virtual Team
- Set Clear Goals
- Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Build a Team Culture
- Provide Timely Feedback
- Case Study
- Assessment
Dealing With Poor Team Players
- Manage Their Results, Not Their Activities
- Be Proactive, Not Reactive
- Check In Often
- Remove Them
- Case Study
- Assessment
