What are the best data sources and tools for virtual team decision making?

1 Data sources

Data sources are an essential part of decision-making as they provide the facts, figures, and insights that inform the problem, the options, and the outcomes. Virtual teams need to be mindful of their selection of data sources, ensuring they are relevant, reliable, and accessible for all members regardless of their location, time zone, or device. Internal data such as performance metrics, customer feedback, project status or financial reports can be accessed through cloud-based platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox or SharePoint. External data such as market research, industry trends, competitor analysis or best practices can be obtained from online sources like databases, websites, blogs, podcasts or social media. Expert data provided by experts or specialists can be sought through email, phone calls, video calls or online forums for direct and interactive communication.

2 Data tools

Data tools are essential for decision making, enabling teams to process, analyze, visualize, and communicate data and evidence. Virtual teams should use data tools that are compatible, user-friendly, and collaborative for their members, regardless of their skill level or role. Data analysis tools, such as Excel or Google Sheets, can help the team to manipulate and filter data. More advanced software such as R, Python, or Tableau offer more functionality and flexibility. Data visualization tools can create charts, graphs, maps, dashboards or infographics to illustrate data and evidence effectively. Standalone applications such as Power BI, Canva or Piktochart provide more design and customization options. Finally, data communication tools help the team to present and discuss data in various modes and formats such as email, chat video call, slide deck report or blog post.

3 Data culture

Data culture is the mindset for decision making, referring to the values, norms, and practices that foster a data-driven approach to problem solving and innovation. Virtual teams need to cultivate a data culture that is inclusive, transparent, and adaptive for their members. To do this, they should focus on improving data literacy by providing training and resources that support data learning and development. They should also encourage and facilitate the exchange of data and evidence among team members and stakeholders by creating and maintaining data repositories, protocols, and standards. Finally, they should foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, and risk-taking that values data discovery and learning.

5 Data collaboration

Data collaboration is a process for decision making, which involves teams working together to access, share, interpret, and act on data and evidence. Virtual teams should strive for data collaboration that is efficient, effective, and engaging, leading to better outcomes and performance. Enhancing data collaboration for virtual teams includes data alignment by defining the data problem, criteria, and responsibilities; data feedback through surveys, polls, ratings, comments, or reviews; and data action by using action plans, timelines, milestones, indicators, or reports to track and measure results.