TACTICS CHANGE BUT BASICS STAY THE SAME

We have seen some advantages to the online technology we have used in the last six months. I am finding that a greater number of people prefer doing more things online. We are seeing a steady growth of teams who work and collaborate virtually.  People work from home and a working team can be spread out geographically. A team could consist of employees with a manager leader or it could be a group of associates who are independent contractors. They could even all volunteers in a volunteer organization.

Regardless of the composition of the team, the things needed to create traditional high performing teams also apply to virtual teams. The tactics might change but the basics are still the same.  There needs to be a visionary and motivating leader combined with engaged and dedicated team members. These team members need to have a strong motivation for achievement of their goals. Moreover, the team’s goal AND the members’ individual goals must be aligned. Just because people don’t meet together in a physical location does not mean that there can’t be a culture of accountability. Every team and every leader needs to set the example and set the standard for the team to follow. The points are the same for virtual teams as they are for traditional team. Here are a few of the most important things to remember.

1.        Have written goals with timetables and deadlines. Each team member must know exactly what the objectives are. They must have short term goals, intermediate goals, and long terms goals with deadlines.

2.        Use measurements. Use a tool to share measurements online. There are many available. Actions must be measured as to how they contribute to the desired results. What is the desired result of every action and how will you measure it? The measurement should be shared with the individual team members so that they can assess their progress.

3.        Schedule regular one to one meetings by phone, or videos. Regular updates are important. You should utilize a standard format. Include progress updates and freely welcome discussion of obstacles and solutions.

4.        Make use of technology to share information online. Keep regular online contact with everyone. Many organizations are using Google Docs. With their system you will be able to tell if someone is checked out or not holding up their end.

5.        Schedule regular team meetings online. Zoom has made this very easy now. Assign different parts of the meeting to others. Engage everyone by including all in the discussion and asking questions of everyone.

6.        Finally, everyone needs face time. You need to schedule occasional physical get-togethers.

Trust is essential. In the case of remotely functioning teams developing trust must not be forgotten or pushed to the wayside. Your team must feel free to ask questions with the confidence they will receive support and the necessary information. An effective leader must insure that everyone is informed and that he or she is “in on things.” You can make it happen with virtual teams but you must sharpen your leadership skills and recognize that what you do in an office must be translated into its virtual version. For a similar post on our web site see THESE TIMES CALL FOR NEW MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES.

Learn how you can take your virtual team to the next level.

Contact us to learn more.

Or call 914-953-4458

 

 

Business Coach - Strategic Plans - Sales and Marketing Coach

Grant Schneider - Leadership and Business Coach Creating Successful Business Outcomes

President Performance Development Strategies

- Business Coach

- Business Performance and Strategic Business Plans 

- Sales and Marketing Coach

- Organizational Effectiveness

- Time Effectiveness and Organization

914-953-4458, Armonk NY 10504 grant@pdstrategies.com

Visit my website www.pdstrategies.com for information on how you can obtain quantum leaps in your business performance.

Helping businesses go from "good to great"