Leading Collaborative Virtual Teams

© 2014 NetSpeed Learning Solutions. All rights reserved. 1

Leading Collaborative Virtual Teams

April 15, 2014


Webinar Objectives

• Design your “game plan” around eight practices

• Bring attention, direction, and recognition to your virtual team

• Build accountability among virtual team members


About Cynthia Clay

• 25+ years of experience• Author of Great Webinars • An expert in collaborative,

engaging virtual learning


Tweet

#virtualteams


Purpose

What moved you to register for this webinar?


Definition

“groups of individuals who work across time, space, and organizational boundaries and who interact primarily through electronic communications”

Source: SHRM, Virtual Teams, 7/13/12


Who Uses Virtual Teams?

46% of organizations polled

66% of multi-national organizations

Source: SHRM, Virtual Teams, 7/13/12 (n = 379)


Who Uses Them?

In companies of 10,000+ employees, 80% rely on virtual teams.

Source: i4cp, 2008


Poll

Why does your organization use virtual teams?• include talent in multiple locations• increase collaboration• improve productivity• minimize travel costs• work on global projects


Poll: Obstacles

What primary obstacle causes virtual teams to fail?• Lack of systems and processes• Inability to build team cohesion• Time differences• Work distribution• Differing cultural norms• Poor communication• No access to technology


Darn Hard

“Leadership in my book comes down to communication. But communicating in person and communicating electronically arenot the same thing. It is darn hardto motivate and inspire fromlong distance.”

Manager quoted in “Leading Virtual Teams,” Academy of ManagementPerspectives (February 2007)


Poll: Virtual Team Leaders

What characteristics (qualities orskills) must team leaders demonstrate?

• Listen well• Build trust• Establish clear expectations• Facilitate virtual meetings• Build consensus• Demonstrate cultural awareness• Maintain a sense of humor


Virtual Leaders Must Provide…


Your Virtual Game Plan™


GGrow Trust


G

Grow Trust


G

Grow Trust

How can a leader build

trust with virtual

team members?


Grow Trust

G• Set expectations• Discuss norms• Establish communication

channels• Respect time zones


Virtual Presence


Create Virtual Presence

How can you help team members create virtual presence?


AAttend to Diversity


Attend to Diversity

A• Create a Talented Expert

directory• Build virtual presence

(photos, bios, skills and experience)

• Respect cultural norms and differences


MManage Accountability


Manage Accountability

M• Set clear goals and targets• Create processes to

manage responsibilities and results

• Have team members post progress reports


EExpect Teamwork


Expect Teamwork

EHow can the

leader develop

a cohesive team?


Expect Teamwork

E• Encourage collaboration• Brainstorm and problem

solve• Have sub-teams meet

outside team meetings


Plan Meetings P


Plan Meetings

P• Prepare and send agendas

in advance• Segment meetings:

information-sharing, idea generation, project reporting

• Document discussions and action items


Keep Communication Flowing

What technological tools contribute to open, effective communication on a virtual team?

What virtual team workspaces do you use?


LLeverage Technology


Leverage Technology

L• Use Skype with video• Meet weekly via web

conferencing• Set up micro-blogs and IM • Implement project

management software• Create virtual collaboration

spaces


AAppreciate and Celebrate


Appreciate and Celebrate

AWhich of these

recognition

techniques have

you used?


Appreciate and Celebrate

A• Celebrate milestones and

results in team meetings• Recognize individual and

team contributions• Include appreciation in

every conversation


NNurture Relationships


Nurture Relationships

N• Get to know each individual

personally• Learn about hopes and

dreams• Help them

develop their careers


The Virtual Team Leader


Decisions

40© 2014 NetSpeed Learning Solutions. All rights reserved.

Our Story

1992 •Began as an independent consulting practice•Provided organization and leadership development to Pacific NW clients

2000 •Developed NetSpeed Leadership (blended learning)•Expanded nationally

2006 •Developed Blazing Service (blended learning)•Began to experiment with interactive, VILT using web conferencing

2007 •Developed NetSpeed Fast Tracks™ (integrated learning system)

2008 •Rebranded the company as NetSpeed Learning Solutions•Repurposed all programs for VILT

2009 •Introduced the Virtual Facilitator Trainer Certification course•Published Great Webinars

2011 •Published Peer Power•Launched the Peer Power virtual training program

2012 •Established as virtual learning experts•Wiley & Sons republish both Great Webinars and Peer Power

We help clients successfully transition to

virtual learning and leadership


Virtual Learning Evolves


NetSpeed Leadership 2®


NetSpeed Leadership2®

1. Face-to-face (3 hour) or Virtual Classroom (90-minute)

2. Post-class reinforcement tools

3. NetSpeed Administrator™(to report the impact of training)


Three Tracks – 24 Modules

Leadership Development – 8 modules

Performance Management – 8 modules

Professional Development – 8 modules

Available for classroom and virtual delivery


Integrated Learning System


Peer Power


Virtual Classroom


Virtual Facilitator Training


Virtual Facilitator Training

• Deep dive, comprehensive course• Focused on virtual design and delivery• Next public VFTC course begins May 8• Customized for private delivery in your web

conference platform


• Create innovative solutions that meet your business objectives

• Meet the needs of virtual learners and leaders• Offer ready-to-launch blended programs• Offer customized learning solutions • Simplify your move to virtual learning

Benefits of Partnering with Us


• Link to download our eBook (The Other Side of the Desk).

• Schedule a private Virtual Facilitator course by June 15 and receive 15% off the standard price.

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Q & A

53

Thank You!

Business

Leading Collaborative Virtual Teams