10 Commandments of Virtual Teams
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The document outlines ten essential commandments for successfully managing virtual teams, emphasizing the importance of communication, proper attire, and the use of the right tools. Key recommendations include setting office hours, collaborating online, and building trust through team-building activities. The document also suggests establishing goals and the value of in-person meetings to foster personal relationships among team members.
10 Commandments of Virtual Teams
- 3. THOU SHALT COMMUNICATE When it comes to virtual teams, communication is crucial. Keeping in touch with the entire team on a regular basis will solidify the bond between each position and assure better teamwork. Tip: Use tools like instant messengers to keep in contact daily. I.
- 4. THOU SHALT GET DRESSED Transition yourself into work mode by getting up and getting dressed each day. Showering and getting dressed will keep you from sitting on the couch binge watching Netflix instead of actually getting work done. Tip: You don't have to adhere to a business casual dress code, but wear something comfortable and appropriate. II.
- 5. THOU SHALT USE THE RIGHT TOOLS Using email, instant messenger and the phone are great ways to communicate, but an online meeting tool with video and audio capabilities is even better for building personal relationships. Tip: Get in the habit of always turning on your webcam. Most communication is non-verbal. III.
- 6. THOU SHALT NOT BE A MISSING PERSON Never being available for meetings with your team can cause a huge gap in communication about business goals and plans. Don't become the face on the milk carton. Tip: Make sure you work on time management to allow collaboration sessions with your team. IV.
- 7. THOU SHALT SET OFFICE TIMES Working remote can actually lead people to overworking. Make sure you set specific office hours for yourself so you aren't constantly logged on and checking email throughout the night. Tip: Sync up your office hours with the rest of your team. If they're in different time zones, try to be available during their peak hours. V.
- 8. THOU SHALT COLLABORATE Being remote doesn't mean you can get away with not collaborating. As with any other team, you and your coworkers should make a conscious effort to collaborate as much as possible. Tip: Use online workspaces to collaborate online through forums and discussions. VI.
- 9. THOU SHALT USE THY WEBCAM Remember when we talked about the importance of getting dressed? Virtual teams should use their webcams for meetings. Video conferencing creates a more personal feel than traditional audio-only meetings. Tip: Seriously, please go get dressed. VII.
- 10. THOU SHALT SET GOALS When working in a virtual team it's inherently important to create a set of goals and objectives to measure everyone's success. Because the team isn't in-office, these goals help managers keep employees accountable for their work. Tip: Set goals monthly rather than quarterly to gauge small successes. VIII.
- 11. THOU SHALT MEET IN PERSON It's far too easy to work remote and forget about having actual relationships with your coworkers. Make an effort to meet with your entire team, even if it's just for coffee or dinner. Sync up once a month in-person if your budget allows. Tip: If your team is in different cities, meet in each one. Avoid getting together in the same place every time. IX.
- 12. THOU SHALT BUILD TRUST Team building is important, especially for virtual teams. Make a conscious effort to host team building activities with your virtual team to build trust. Tip: Try virtual team building activities like online games that require collaboration to complete. X.
- 13. Want to learn more about virtual teams and team building? Check out PGi's free eBook, Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: http://bit.ly/teamworkebook