Virtual Team Building and Management

2 Days

Introduction

Technology and globalisation have combined to create a work environment in which teams communicate and collaborate virtually, thereby breaking the boundaries of time, geography – even the organisation itself.

There were an estimated one billion virtual workers in 2012, and the number is expected to continue climbing well into the future. With a global workforce you are provided with a cost effective and talented pool of employees to draw from.

With a virtual team you have the normal issues of a localised team, with the additional challenges of distance and cultural differences. Virtual Team Building and Management will give you the knowledge to work with these challenges and succeed in a growing global workforce.

Programme Objectives:

• Know the keys to establishing a virtual team
• Learn how to hold effective meetings and group sessions
• Learn effective ways to communicate with team members
• Use tools to build trust and confidence among employees
• Know how to handle poor performing employees
• Know how to manage a virtual team during any project

Method and Approach

This programme will involve the use of slides, handout material, work manual with all instructor notes and slides, examples of best practice, appropriate videos and appropriate video material.

The use of flip-charts, syndicate workshops and reporting back sessions will encourage a fully participative and enjoyable event. Delegates will be encouraged to participate actively in relating previous work experiences.

Who Should Attend

This course will benefit anyone managers, project managers, directors and anyone who leads or collaborates with virtual, remote, third-party or international teams.

Course Content

This two-day workshop will cover the following subjects:

Module One: Getting Started

• Introduction to the workshop
• Workshop Objectives
• Pre-Assignment
• Action Plans and Evaluations

Module Two: Setting Up Your Virtual Team (I)

• Choose Self-Motivated People with Initiative
• Face to Face Meeting At First
• Diversity Will Add Value
• Experienced with Technology
• Case Study
• Module Two: Review Questions

Module Three: Setting Up Your Virtual Team (II)

• Personality Can Count as Much as Skills
• Rules of Engagement
• Setting up Ground Rules
• Icebreakers and Introductions
• Case Study
• Module Three: Review Questions

Module Four: Virtual Team Meetings

• Scheduling Will Always be an Issue
• Have a Clear Objective and Agenda
• Solicit Additional Topics in Advance
• Discourage Just Being Status Reports
• Case Study
• Module Four: Review Questions

Module Five: Communication (I)

• Early and Often
• Rules of Responsiveness
• Face to Face When Possible
• Choose the Best Tool
• Case Study
• Module Five: Review Questions

Module Six: Communication (II)

• Be Honest and Clear
• Stay in Constant Contact
• Don’t Make Assumptions
• Setup Email Protocols
• Case Study
• Module Six: Review Questions

Module Seven: Building Trust

• Trust Your Team and They Will Trust You
• Be Aware of “Us vs. Them” Territorial Issues
• Share Best Practices
• Create a Sense of Ownership
• Case Study
• Module Seven: Review Questions

Module Eight: Cultural Issues

• Respect and Embrace Differences
• Be Aware of Different Work Styles
• Know Your Team Members Cultural Background
• Dealing With Stereotypes
• Case Study
• Module Eight: Review Questions

Module Nine: To Succeed With a Virtual Team

• Set Clear Goals
• Create a SOP’s
• Build a Team Culture
• Provide Timely Feedback
• Case Study
• Module Nine: Review Questions

Module Ten: Dealing With Poor Team Players

• Manage Their Results, Not Their Activities
• Be Proactive Not of Reactive
• Check in Often
• Remove Them
• Case Study
• Module Ten: Review Questions

Module Eleven: Choosing the Right Tools

• Communication Software
• Collaboration and Sharing Tools
• Project Management Software
• Use Whatever Works for You and Your Team
• Case Study
• Module Eleven: Review Questions

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations