ch 10 virtual teams

Potential Disadvantages of Virtual Teams (5)

As compared to traditional teams, it may be more difficult with virtual teams to... •Develop trust •Maintain morale •Monitor performance •Manage conflict •Promote collaboration

what is a virtual team?

is a team whose members simultaneously work together to a common purpose

lepinger & derosa, explained the importance of what 4 things when it comes to virtual teams?

relationship & trust, accountability, motivation, process

Advantages of Virtual Teams (6)

•Employee flexibility •Reduction in travel costs and time •Potential for increases in productivity •Brainstorming •Project planning •Setting goal

motivation

Ensure team members and the leader engage in active listening •Minimize use of email; encourage scheduled conversations •Encourage less formal ways of checking in with each other (instant messaging tools such as Skype, Google Hangouts, Google talk, etc....) •Make it easy for members to access and share documents •Provide constructive feedback and coaching •Use video conferencing •Identify behaviors versus labels (e.g., failed to meet a deadline versus lacked commitment) •Be consultative not directive •Use the right tone/inflection in voice

accountability

Use project management software so that all team members can see the project's progression. •Use time-tracking software (Kronos, Timesheet, Time Fox, etc...) •Develop metrics focusing on results, not hours worked •Involve team members early on in planning stages •Empower team members with more autonomy •Schedule check-ins and involve all team members (feedback, coaching, discussion) •Share calendars and action plans with entire team

relationships & trust

Use technology (WebEx, Live Meeting, GoToMeeting) to host virtual birthday parties and other celebrations •Invite team members to mail each other items/tokens that support their culture. •Schedule 'virtual coffee breaks' once a week (10 minutes of free discussion) •Use FaceTime or other technology to support and promote less formal methods of contact •Make 'care calls' (not work-related) to connect with team members on a personal level •Partner team members from different locations to build trust and increase connection opportunities. •Use social media to allow team members to get to know one another.

process

•Establish protocols/norms for meetings and schedules •Set expectations clearly and explicitly •Quick chats and instant messages are better than emails •Address issues related to resources - do team members have what they need to succeed? •Run an effective virtual meeting

running an effective virtual team meeting (8)

•Set clear objectives •Use collaborative meeting software •Host meetings only when necessary •Assign agenda items to various people to keep them engaged •Maintain team involvement throughout the session - be creative •Limit times to stay on track •Appoint someone to keep the conversation on track •Share the agenda and share notes on screen so the whole team can see them

Competencies needed to be an effective team member on a virtual team. (4)

•Technological competence •Self-management skills •Ability to work in an abstract environment •Communication skills •Other