This week’s Effective Virtual Conversations tip gets us thinking about what often is the norm, not the outlier- when technology happens. In a virtual setting a core practice is to “always have a back up”. Technology will break down.
Having a back-up is important on many levels. It may include:

• Having another line/service in case your preferred service breaks down
• Communicating to the group what to do in the event of tech failure (i.e. should they try to call in again, and then switch to another platform OR should they look to email to find instructions)
• Having a list of all contacts for the call – this could include email addresses and phone numbers along with your class list
• Having a back-up computer/laptop in case your system goes down (or decides to update)
• Having a back up copy of your presentation loaded to the cloud and/or USB key
• Having a back up copy of your material (print)

 
Remaining calm and moving into contingency mode is key when facing a tech issue. Before anything happens work through your own list of what you will do and write it down. Have these items in a location which you will naturally “go to” in the event of a break-down.

What else is important for you to note around having a back up?
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With best wishes,
Jennifer

This week’s Effective Virtual Conversations tips #87 asks you to consider the question “What connection between calls work best?”.
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In the virtual space there may be things that you want to focus on before the conversation and after. If you are working with groups are longer term, consider what connection between calls will work best for them. This could include:

• Emails between calls
• A daily focus question for people to explore
• A message board where people can post – this could be hosted in a Facebook community, or another private network like Mighty Networks
• Peer assignments where peers meet for short 15-minute calls to discuss a question, or talk about action towards their goals
• A one-on-one call with you to go deeper into the areas that are most important

What are the things that will help you as a group keep the focus on what’s important for the group – whether this is learning more, having ongoing dialogue, or taking ongoing action? Be sure to schedule time for these activities as they are often the first things that come off the list.
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Enjoy!
Jennifer

​Welcome to the 85th Effective Virtual Conversations tip. This week’ tip is “Be clear on expectations”. This is particularly important when you are working in the virtual space, given the diversity of location, experience and past experiences which can exist within any virtual teams or groups you are working with.

This week let’s discuss the many ways we start to create expectations around virtual experience.
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If it’s a virtual team you are working with, you will want to have shared or co-created experiences as it relates to your virtual meetings as well as your virtual processes.
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Virtual team and group meetings will want to have shared expectations or agreement for meetings. For example, as a virtual team or group you might agree to:

• Start and end on time
• Be present and be focused during meetings
• Follow-through

With virtual events our expectations start before the process begins. This may be from the moment people read something on your website, or the first email they receive from you. If there is anything you want the group to do before a program or process, let them know.

Make a list of any items you want people to complete or take action on prior to a conversation.

Best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton – Potentials Realized 
Leadership | Teamwork | Business Success
Author of multiple books including Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), Coaching Business Builder (2018) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013)
Follow along with the #90DaysPlanDoTrack series over at Instagram @CoachingBizBuilder 
Now available – PlanDoTrack Workbook and Planner - Order a copy today on Amazon
Join the conversation at the Conversation Sparker Zone - our online community where we explore topics related to productivity, teamwork, coaching, business development and leadership. ​

This week’s team skill is in the area of Emotional Intelligence. For years, leaders at all levels have been exposed to developing more skills. In today’s remote work place, the skill sets encapsulated within the EI framework of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and social management are key to employees of all types.
Emotional Intelligence skills incorporate skills such as:

• Collaboration
• Influence
• Working through relationships

Given that remote workers do not work within their  own bubbles, and do need to reach out with others, developing more skills in these areas can be important. Be sure to check out some of these resources:

• The EQ Leader – Steven J. Stein 
• Emotional Intelligence 2.0  - this is a useful self-assessment which individuals can complete
• The EQ Edge – Steven J. Stein

As you consider the skills which make up the bundle of EI skills, what do you notice? What are the things that enable you to do your best work?

Best,
Jennifer

​Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized | Effective Virtual Conversations |  Coaching Team Leaders  
We provide team and leadership development support through coaching, consulting and training services
Author of several books including the 2018 Coaching Business Builder Workbook and Planner & Effective Virtual Conversations (2017) 
Email: info@potentialsrealized.com
(416)996-8326

One of the skills which is important to develop in the virtual world today is empathy. One of the challenges is that we don't get to see beyond the screen.  What are some ways we can be building more empathy and understanding with other virtual team members?

​What comes to mind in terms of ways you can boost more connection and understanding amongst team members?

​Empathy is a skill set critical for teamwork and leadership. In fact I probably coud do a series of post on this topic.  In today's post I want to zoom into the question of "what are some practical ways to build more empathy across virtual teams, while also boosting connection". 

​There have been some great writings by others on the topic of empathy. Consider these articles - Empathy in Leadership - 10 Reasons Why It Matters by Tanveer Naseer. Read it here.
​Matthew Taylor's Empathy in Leadership: Coaching Leaders to Manage Their Stories. Read it here.
Center for Creative Leadership: Empathy in the Workplace. Find this  here.

​As virtual teams, what are some ways we can build our skills in empathy while building connection:

​1. Provide opportunities for team members to get to know each other - online and offline. While some virtual teams will never meet, building in time for "getting to know" each other is critical. This could entail dedicating some time to sharing "What's outside your window" or"on your desk" as I describe in Chapter 7 of my new book Effective Virtual Conversations.

​2. Create formal learning partnerships with others on the team. Many virtual teams benefit from having peer partners to meet with on a regular basis. This helps us to learn more about each other, what projects we are working on. As we listen and learn more trust, connection and understanding is created.

​3. Be present, and listen. We continue to see how important the ability to focus on virtual conversations is. Nothing will destroy trust and connection faster than hearing other person on the end of the phone or streaming typing away -doing an email while you are speaking together. What will it take to be present, focus, and deeply listen in your virtual conversations?

​4. Listen for the deeper layers - typically in listening we may be staying at the surface. Hearing with one ear, and thinking about what we are going to say back to the other person. In the deeper listening needed by virtual teams today, listen to what the person is saying. Notice the pace, pitch of the conversation. Notice what is the emotion behind the words? What is being said? 
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​5. Take time to share more about your world, your work, your priorities. An important part of empathy is understanding. It's a two way street - being open to share, and being receptive to listening. how much are you sharing about your world, your work and your priorities?

​There are multiple ways be can be focusing on the skills of empathy as we build connection on teams. What are some approaches you as a team want to focus on?

​With best wishes,
Jennifer

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In today's business context many teams are moving to a mobile, distributed or remote work force. Whether it's because the talent pool is dispersed, or commute times are pressurizing employees, remote work can be as effective or more so, when virtual teams are set up for success. Today's post explores six things new virtual teams need in order to thrive. These elements include:

1. Clarity regarding reporting relationships. Who are they to report to on what issues? When is reporting required? If matrix reporting relationships exist, what do they report to whom? What issues need to be co-reported?
   
2. Clarity regarding expectations regarding working – hours, approaches, breaks, how to log and share work etc.
   
3. The technology and ability to connect with others in the team and across the organization. Working remote can be a lonely endeavor and just as social time is important for face to fae teams, so is face to face for virtual team.
4. Regular check ins and feedback. Regular check-ins and feedback may revolve around the questions:
   1. How’s it going?
   2. What’s working? What’s not?
   3. What support do you need?
   4. What are your current priorities?
   5. What resources do you need in order to get the results you need?
5. Platforms so they can see each other and connect with their team. This could include regular virtual potlucks where the tea actually connects for a meal from each of their locations. It could also include face-to-face time – quarterly or on a regular basis.
   
6. Clarity regarding how to flag issues: What issues to raise and when. Who should they be flagging issues to? When is the team leader available and how?
   

What other elements do you see as essential for new virtual teams to hit the ground running?

Enjoy the start of your week,
Jennifer

"This week's theme is all about working more effectively when you are working remote. In today's #FlashbackFriday post I am taking us back to #Teams365 #792 on Five Ways to Make Remote Work, Work for You. Here's what I wrote:

This week we're looking at remote work arrangements. As someone who has always had to work remote and/or mobile for most of my career since the early 1990s I thought it would be useful to share a few tips for how to make it work for you. Today's post covers five things you can do as a remote worker to make it work for you, and your employer:

1. Create a dedicated workspace. Just as in a typical office space, create a dedicated office space. Depending on the type of work you do it may be a standalone desk or table, with access to internet and/or phone. Consider if you need doors, a filing cabinet that locks, and/or other things to do your work. It can be tempting to spread everything out, but boundaries in remote work arrangements helps you to create balance. Consider what space will be dedicated to working, and what you want to put away at the end of the day.

2. Set regular office hours, and break times too.  Just as in any office, it's important to set regular office hours, and break times. We can only be productive for so long, so build in breaks as well as a start and an end. You may find that without the commute, you can start even earlier, and end earlier in the day, or perhaps you want to fit in a swim (as I do) or workout at lunchtime, to clear the cobwebs and create space for thinking.

3. Consider what pieces of work are done best remote, and what you will need to be able to access. It's important to have everything at hand in order to do your work. What needs to be accessible remotely on Dropbox, via a VPN or other? How will you keep documents secure?

4. If you are working remote for long periods of time, consider how you will stay connected with the office. It's important to stay connected with the office when you work remote. Consider how you can integrate face to face time and/or video skype calls with your team members and boss. Just because you are not physically there doesn't mean you aren't part of the team.

5. Be proactive in communication with your team and your boss. As in this last point, consider how you can best stay connected with your boss and the team. What updates are important to provide, what meetings do you want to schedule You may find that you are more intentional and deliberative in your communication. this might actually set a nice precedent for others in the office as well!

What other tips do you have for working remote?

​Have a great Friday,
​Jennifer

Today's post includes a short checklist on essential remote working items you will want to put into place before you start working remote for extended periods of time. These include:

• ​A dedicated workspace
• Access to power station/charging areas
• Printer
• Filing cabinet (which can be locked)
• Baseline office supplies - envelopes, pens, file folders, tape, stapler, scissors, labels, etc
• Computer supplies - cords and chargers, surge protected power bars, extra ink
  
• A place where things can be put away when not working
  
• An ergonomically comfortable chair\
  
• A headset and/or microphone for virtual calls
  
• A good built in webcam or external webcam
  
• Excellent (not just good) Internet connection
  
• Lots of storage!
  

​What else do you think might be useful to have on hand?

​Check out this other post from last year on other resources you may want to check out to support you in your virtual work.

With best wishes,
Jennifer

This month we are going to continue to focus on best practices for virtual and remote work, along with more tips for team development in the virtual space.

​The shift to working remote can be a big one and today's post covers three focus areas to keep an eye on if you are moving from an in-person workplace to one that is remote. Consider these items:

​1. Find a dedicated place to work: Having a comfortable, and efficient work place is critical for remote work. What is the dedicated space you have? Consider lighting, layout, comfort. What needs adjustment?

​2. Set up a routine that works for you, and those around you. Focus, structure and routines are just as important in the remote workplace. Consider what is going to be the best routine for you in tems of start and stop times, breaks etc. Be firm with your time and boundaries as you are working!

​3. Make a concerted effort to build relationships - Relationships are critical to success in the remote workplace. Schedule focused time on socializing and building relationships with your colleagues. Whether it's going into the office a couple of days a month, or dedicated virtual social time, take time to foster the relationships with your colleagues. Streaming technologies make it much easier to have a lunch time or coffee get together, like you might in the workplace.

​What is going to help you be most productive and efficient when working remote?

With best wishes,
Jennifer

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