Communication is one of the most important aspects of leading a virtual team. However, it can also be one of the most challenging, especially when you have to deal with different time zones, cultures, and preferences. How can you make sure your communication is user-friendly, clear, and effective? Here are some tips to help you out.
Not all communication tools are created equal. Some are better suited for different purposes, such as video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, or project management. You need to choose the right tools for your team's needs and goals, and make sure everyone knows how to use them properly. You also need to establish some norms and guidelines for using the tools, such as when to use video versus audio, how to handle notifications and interruptions, and how to avoid information overload.
-Stablish the official communication channel. -Keep communication professional. -Respect privacy of your coworkers. -Most important, respect working hours.
Most important is to establish guidelines and using clear and concise language. Acknowledge all learning styles and leverage on visuals. Organization is also key to ensuring smooth access and reference to information. And always lead by example by demonstrating user-friendly communication practices as a leader. Be approachable, responsive, and consistent in your communication.
"Anytime I’m taking a big step in life, there’s always gonna be someone who will say “ but darling what if you fall?” I always have the same answer ?? “But darling what if I fly”!" Deloris Frimpong Manso As a social media strategist, the choice of the right tools and platforms must be Purposeful and directed by the economic intuition of of our content creation and development among other factors. However, we must be determined and regulated as the use of each social media platform we found ourselves or organisations on. We must build capacity to harness the full potentials of every platform we enroll on as global marketing professionals worldwide ?? Signed Nicholas Afram Global Business Consultant Gethsemane Academy PLC
For 'user-friendly' virtual team communication, - help people understand what needs to be communicated and avoid over-communication - bring people together for quick updates vs expecting them to find time to read emails, etc. - ask people to be on video whenever possible, as it creates engagement and connection within the team - use a work management system that allows people to tie their conversations to the work for easy access and reference.
It is critical to define ways of working when managing a virtual team especially if folks are spread across different time zones. Tools like Teams and Slack are important for quick chat between the team or individuals but maintaining formal communication over email for decisions made or cross-team collaboration helps with tracking the latest updates.
When you communicate with your virtual team, you need to be clear and concise. Avoid using jargon, slang, or idioms that might confuse or offend your team members. Use simple and direct language, and provide enough context and details to avoid misunderstandings. Use bullet points, headings, and summaries to organize your messages and make them easier to read and follow. Also, use visual aids, such as screenshots, diagrams, or emojis, to enhance your communication and convey your tone and emotions.
Ser claro en la comunicación es vital, particularmente en los objetivos de largo plazo y que se espera de cada quien para lograrlo
La comunicación con equipos en remoto y teletrabajo, no puede ser la misma que en persona. Las palabras escritas se pueden malinterpretar, por eso, es necesario que la comunicación sean clara, directa y concisa
Use simple language and have clear communication. This will ensure messages are understood clearly. Keep your email messages concise to avoid misinterpretation.
Points to highlight: - Simple and direct language - Summarize in topics - Active listening - Capture any issues & concerns - Improvements opportunities - Emphasis on Teamwork - Client focus
Liderar equipos en remoto es una habilidad del siglo XXI, muy natural para los millenials y un desafío para las generaciones anteriores. Las restricciones impuestas en la sociedad por el COVID-19 impulsaron esta modalidad y los líderes nos tuvimos que adapatar. En lo particular, la comunicación simple, clara, didáctica y concisa es el camino para la construcción y acompa?amiento laboral diario. En cada comunicación es vital implementar el chequeo del entendimiento en donde el/la colaborador/a registre en consciencia el conocimiento transmitido o la instrucción dada.
Respect and inclusion are essential for building trust and rapport with your virtual team. You need to respect your team members' time, culture, and preferences, and avoid making assumptions or judgments. You need to include everyone in your communication, and make sure no one feels left out or ignored. You can do this by using inclusive language, such as "we" or "us", acknowledging and appreciating everyone's contributions, and soliciting feedback and input from everyone. You can also use icebreakers, games, or casual chats to create a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
El respeto es fundamental en todos los ámbitos de la vida, y para equipos desplazados, esto se tiene que tomar con mayor atención, sobre todo, en la resolución de conflictos
As Maya Angelou beautifully put it, "We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal." This understanding forms the foundation of our virtual camaraderie, ensuring that each team member, regardless of their background, feels not just heard but valued. Being sensitive, crafting every communication with thought & awareness is important
Let’s have a think- Managing a virtual team with responsibility and inclusivity is akin to navigating a diverse ecosystem. Just as I as a gardener, tends to my garden, cultivate an environment where various plants (team members) thrive. Ensure each "species" receives the right amount of attention, akin to setting clear expectations for communication. Embracing the diversity within the ecosystem, adjusting our leadership approach like adapting to different soil types, fostering a rich and inclusive virtual work environment.
When we communicate with the team, being team, it is important to emphasize that achievements and defeats belong to the team and that team members have the ability to self-help to overcome challenges. However, not all teams have symbiosis and it is necessary to encourage an openness to discuss problems. The important thing is to find solutions, develop processes to overcome problems, and not make individualistic criticisms.
To be short, listen more than you speak if you are willing to learn about your team. But remember as a leader you are the guardian of the company's culture.
Consistency and responsiveness are key for maintaining communication flow and alignment with your virtual team. You need to communicate regularly and frequently, and keep your team updated on your progress, challenges, and expectations. You need to respond to your team's messages and queries in a timely and respectful manner, and avoid leaving them hanging or in the dark. You also need to follow up on your communication, and make sure everyone is on the same page and has the same understanding of the tasks and goals.
Consistency is key, being responsive to your peers, candidates, leaders is a huge key to your team engaging in whatever the task is at hand. Sometimes processes can delay us, but resolution can be worked in many ways.
Delaying responses with the intent of communicating post-completion of assigned tasks may create misunderstanding when your team is virtual. It is important to acknowledge and be responsive to improve collaboration and avoid having any team members waiting on your deliverables/input.
A daily meeting is essential, especially to start the day. Be as much as possible available for your team members. But always try to give them the opportunity to make decisions on their own.
Flexibility and adaptability are crucial for dealing with the uncertainties and changes that come with leading a virtual team. You need to be flexible and adaptable in your communication style, and adjust to your team's needs and preferences. You need to be open to feedback and suggestions, and willing to learn from your mistakes and improve your communication skills. You also need to be prepared for unexpected situations, such as technical glitches, emergencies, or conflicts, and have a backup plan or a contingency strategy for your communication.
Asking for feedback is important to improve what you've been doing, but remember you are the leader and it is not always possible to please everyone's needs, what seems to be good for one may not be for someone else. You are the leader and responsible to evaluate what's best for the majority of your people and company's guidelines.
Finally, you need to be human and authentic in your communication with your virtual team. You need to show your personality, emotions, and values, and not hide behind a formal or impersonal facade. You need to be honest, transparent, and respectful, and not lie, manipulate, or deceive your team. You also need to show empathy, compassion, and support, and not ignore, dismiss, or criticize your team's feelings or challenges. You can also use humor, stories, or compliments to lighten up the mood and build rapport with your team.
Always be there to help and explain as many times as necessary to understand. Sometimes the message that is given today is accepted but not understood by the collaborator, this is because they lack knowledge that they acquire over time. After this knowledge, the same message is accepted and understood. It is important to have the openness to know how to repeat the message several times and not block it because it was repeated 1 or 2 times. As a leader we should be able to help, guide.
Being human, having a personality, honest and transparency is part of engagement, if you lead or not, making this a practice in all that you speak with is important, it's a rapport builder for networking!
Lembro de ter lido em algum lugar uma frase interessante: "seja gentil com os seus pais, é a primeira vez deles vivendo a vida também" e, analisando este artigo, entendo que essa frase também se aplica ao ambiente profissional. Minha 1a experiência como líder aconteceu quando tinha 22 anos. Com a pandemia, passei a gerenciar virtualmente essa mesma equipe em um cenário totalmente atípico. Usei como base todo o aprendizado que tive com líderes anteriores: pedi feedbacks, me mostrei aberta ao diálogo, valorizei em público todos os acertos e o mais importante: investi em cerim?nias que pudessem favorecer a intera??o e evolu??o da equipe. “Seja gentil com o seu líder/liderado, talvez seja a primeira experiência dele nessa posi??o”.
Optimizar la comunicación en equipos virtuales requiere diversificar canales (chats, correos y reuniones, especialmente "weekly meetings"). Abrir espacios para expresar ideas fortalece la conexión. Construir vínculos auténticos mediante interés genuino, escucha activa y preguntas pertinentes es clave. Cambiar el feedback, reconociendo logros, motiva y fortalece la cultura de reconocimiento. En resumen, diversificar canales, fomentar expresión, construir vínculos y ofrecer feedback equilibrado son cruciales para una comunicación efectiva en equipos virtuales.
When you are on meeting/call with your team, Always keep your camera ON. It instantly makes the other person feel connected and not only that it helps you to be honest and puts on a guard rail to not be distracted with email/chats or worst case your phone. Try it consistently for atleast a month and you will start seeing the difference in how people perceive and react to you and your message!
Você está liderando uma equipe virtual. Como você pode manter a comunica??o amigável? - Defina reuni?es de alinhamento; - Alinhe as expectativas; - Seja intencional nas conversas; - Atualizei de possiveis mudan?as no mesmo tempo do 'presencial'; -
Meu primeiro trabalho remoto foi na pandemia, sai da constru??o que era tudo presencial, para um estagio em tecnologia. usamos por muito tempo o Slack é otimo, mas por brincadeiras e algum vídeo no Instagran, conhecemos e come?amos a usar o gather uma sede virtual para equipes remotas. Utilizou muito nosso tempo e comunica??o se preciso de algo posso mandar mensagem se se for mais complexo posso ir na mesa da pessoa e abre uma call automática. Foi o mais próximo de um escritório rela que chegamos.