How can you adapt virtual team models for the future?

1 Define your team model

The first step to adapting your virtual team model is to define what type of team you have and what are your goals and expectations. There are different types of virtual teams, such as fully distributed, hybrid, or networked, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, a fully distributed team can have more flexibility and diversity, but also more isolation and coordination issues. A hybrid team can have more cohesion and communication, but also more inequality and conflict. A networked team can have more innovation and collaboration, but also more complexity and ambiguity. You need to identify your team model and align it with your organizational strategy and culture.

2 Choose your communication tools

The second step to adapting your virtual team model is to choose the right communication tools for your team. Communication is vital for any team, but especially for virtual teams, as it can affect trust, engagement, and performance. You need to select the tools that suit your team's needs and preferences, such as email, chat, video conferencing, or project management software. You also need to establish the norms and rules for using these tools, such as frequency, tone, and etiquette. You should use a combination of synchronous and asynchronous communication, depending on the purpose and urgency of the message. You should also use different modes of communication, such as text, voice, or video, depending on the context and emotion of the message.

3 Build your team culture

The third step to adapting your virtual team model is to build a strong and positive team culture. Team culture is the shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how your team members interact and work together. It can influence your team's motivation, satisfaction, and performance. You need to create a team culture that fosters trust, respect, and collaboration among your virtual team members. You can do this by setting clear and shared goals, roles, and expectations, by providing regular and constructive feedback, by celebrating achievements and milestones, and by creating opportunities for socialization and fun.

4 Develop your team skills

The fourth step to adapting your virtual team model is to develop the skills that your team needs to work effectively and efficiently in a virtual environment. These skills include communication, collaboration, self-management, problem-solving, and intercultural competence. You need to assess the current skill level of your team members and identify the gaps and areas for improvement. You can then provide training, coaching, or mentoring to help them develop these skills. You can also encourage peer learning and knowledge sharing among your team members, as well as cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity.

5 Monitor your team performance

The fifth step to adapting your virtual team model is to monitor and measure your team's performance and productivity. You need to have clear and relevant indicators and metrics that reflect your team's progress and outcomes. You also need to have regular and transparent reporting and evaluation systems that allow you to track and analyze your team's performance and productivity. You should use both quantitative and qualitative data, such as surveys, interviews, or feedback sessions, to get a holistic and comprehensive view of your team's performance and productivity. You should also use this data to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your team and to make adjustments and improvements accordingly.

6 Innovate your team model

The sixth and final step to adapting your virtual team model is to innovate and experiment with new ways of working and collaborating in a virtual environment. You need to be open and flexible to change and to embrace new opportunities and challenges that arise from working remotely. You can try new tools, methods, or practices that can enhance your team's performance and productivity, such as agile, scrum, or lean methodologies, or co-working spaces, or virtual reality. You can also solicit feedback and suggestions from your team members and other stakeholders on how to improve your virtual team model. You should always be learning and improving your virtual team model to stay ahead of the curve and to prepare for the future.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?