What are some strategies for managing email communication in a virtual team with a high turnover rate?

1 Forming stage

The forming stage is when your virtual team is just getting to know each other and their roles and expectations. In this stage, you need to establish the ground rules and norms for email communication, such as frequency, response time, tone, format, and attachments. You also need to introduce yourself and your team members, and share some personal information to build rapport and trust. You can use email to send a welcome message, a team charter, a contact list, and a brief bio of yourself and your team members.

4 Performing stage

The performing stage is when your virtual team reaches its peak of productivity and creativity, and delivers high-quality results. In this stage, you need to use email communication to support and empower your team members, and to encourage them to take initiative and ownership of their tasks and projects. You also need to use email to communicate the team's successes and challenges, and to provide recognition and feedback. You can use email to delegate and assign tasks and responsibilities, to share best practices and lessons learned, and to acknowledge and celebrate the team's outcomes and impact.

5 Adjourning stage

The adjourning stage is when your virtual team completes its task or project, or when some or all of the team members leave the team. In this stage, you need to use email communication to wrap up and close the team's work, and to provide a final evaluation and feedback. You also need to use email to express your gratitude and appreciation for your team members, and to maintain the professional and personal relationships that you have built. You can use email to send a farewell message, a project summary and evaluation, a feedback request and response, and a contact information update.

6 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?