Virtual Team Challenges

Have you ever been a part of or leader of a virtual team?*  More and more organizations are going virtual or part-time virtual.*  Earlier I asked if you can use the same skills for both.*  The answer is yes.*  However, being “virtual” adds another form of challenge in staying connected and productive, knowing what’s expected, and more.*  Whether you are on the virtual team or not, what impact does that have on you and your own productivity?

View the six top challenges adapted from Virtual Team Success and survey results.* *  Do you experience any of these?

 

1)* * * *  Lack of meeting together face-to-face * occurring within the first 30-90 days of the team formation – you don’t know who to contact for what expertise

2)* * * *  Lack of resources ” not enough of the required skills are covered

3)* * * *  Time zone differences* *  – challenge in contacting and conference calls while calculating the time difference

4)* * * *  Team members belong to more than one virtual team which decreases devotion to each team ” their dedication to each of their teams can create conflicts for themselves and for others

5)* * * *  Does not share relevant information with each other ” usually withheld information is not consciously withheld but isn’t shared by lack of connectivity, unknown contacts and/or no communication plan defined

6)* * * *  Lack of skill training (technology, resources, etc.) ” the technology is not being fully utilized due to lack of training and thus decreases productivity

 

Answer the following questions.

1)* * * *  How many members are a good range to be within a virtual team?

2)* * * *  How do you assure both the leader and contributors have effective “virtual skills” and disciplines?

3)* * * *  How are the review and approval process best performed?

4)* * * *  How are expectations clearly defined and followed?

 

Answers

1) 5-8

2) Define clearly so commonly understood in behaviors also known as words and actions

3) 360 feedback; client surveys

4) Define end results, role expectations, and guidelines in how to behave and how to utilize technology