Effective Tips for Virtual Team Management

In the 1970s, the OPEC oil crisis and rising fuel costs led Jack Nilles (sometimes called “The Father of Teleworking”) to look for ways to reduce the cost of driving to work. He conducted the first formal tests of telecommuting and coined the term “telecommuting” in his book The Telecommunications-Transportation Tradeoff. Telecommuting grew rapidly from there resulting in virtual teams of today.

In the Covid-19 era, many co-located teams have become virtual. It is very appealing to employers in that can use the best and cost-effective global talent and significantly reduce their facility costs. Employees too can manage their personal and professional lives effectively.

However, most professionals feel that virtual teams are less productive due to lack of face-to-face interactions, and many are confused with the technology being used. With this in mind, let us discuss how to manage a virtual team effectively.

1.?????Team members

Choose team members that have good communication skills, high emotional intelligence, the ability to work independently, and to rise above the challenges virtual interactions can cause. Also, in case of international teams, sensitivity and understanding of other cultures is a must. Be sure to conduct a good personality assessment to make sure they fit in.

2.?????Team size

Because the dynamics of virtual teams are more complex than those of face-to-face teams, efficiency requires fewer team members and extensive support structures. I would suggest having sub teams based on their roles.

3.?????Use of appropriate technology

Using the best technology that enables and integrates meetings, conference calls, messaging (group and one on one), follow ups, and file sharing, is essential as without this, even the best teams can fail.

4.?????Encourage more communication

Co-located teams often chat in office about their lives outside office and other interesting news and they often bond over this. Virtual teams rarely get the chance to do so. It is recommended that the team talks often for a while before team meeting so that they get to know each other well.

5.?????Clarify expectations

Certain things that need absolute clarity are response times to queries/emails, outlining of follow up steps in case of non response. Also clarify deadlines, escalation policies beforehand. Also get people together to celebrate the achievement of short-term goals or to crack tough problems.

6.?????Providing feedback

Criticism is given constructively once open channels of dialogue are established. Frankness and tact are absolutely essential while also recognizing and appreciating achievements regularly. Also, please make it clear that multitasking during calls is not okay as people are often not as engaged while multitasking.

Following these tried and tested tips can help increase productivity while keeping the costs low with virtual teams.?