Working Virtually: Team Work in an E-World

More and more frequently, people work in virtual teams, with team members spread around the world. How does a team leader build a virtual structure?

That is the topic of a recent article, which contains some interesting suggestions for how to successfully manage a virtual team.

Key suggestions include:

1. Teams should agree on norms, expectations, processes, and so forth early on. For example, the team should decide on how teams are formed and how the work is divided up.

2. Teams should determine which tools are best to use for working together. For example, when should telephone calls be used versus email?

3. Teams should create appropriate documentation; Product and customer databases, work reports, and other company files have to be indexed and easily accessible. Of course, this also raises the need for appropriate computer security.

4. Invest in the necessary infrastructure; if the virtual team is to be successful, the necessary computer equipment, servers, and software needs to be available. Don’t try to skimp out here; problems with the infrastructure will wreak havoc and team members will become frustrated and quit.

Read here for more details on creating virtual teams.

Related Reading:

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Framework for Human Resource Management, A (6th Edition)

Fundamentals of Human Resource Management

'Training, training, training' key to workplace fatalities reduction.: An article from: Mississippi Business Journal

Managing Diversity: Toward a Globally Inclusive Workplace