In the virtual realm team members may feel very isolated from one another, not just the team leader. It can therefore be important for team leaders to spend time supporting each team member to connect with each other, as this peer support may be as close as you are as a leader.
Creating the sense that everyone is at the same table is a powerful metaphor for this connection. Some ideas to do this include:
1. Use a platform like Facetime, Video skype or Hangouts to give people a visual connection. Check with your IT and HR departments about what works within your IT and security settings.
2. Provide an opportunity for the team to meet for shared team development or planning once a year (even virtually!), so they operate from similar frameworks, have a shared vision and understand what the plan is.
3. Host regular team meetings virtually to keep everyone on the same page.
4. A team newsletter or other communique (social media page) is a way to keep people connected and knowing what others are up to.
These things really work and were in fact things my virtual team used to do. Spread across ten countries, these regular activities strengthened connection, boosted engagement and provided team members with a sense of team and being part of the organization, even though we sat thousands of miles apart.
Creating the sense that everyone is at the same table is a powerful metaphor for this connection. Some ideas to do this include:
1. Use a platform like Facetime, Video skype or Hangouts to give people a visual connection. Check with your IT and HR departments about what works within your IT and security settings.
2. Provide an opportunity for the team to meet for shared team development or planning once a year (even virtually!), so they operate from similar frameworks, have a shared vision and understand what the plan is.
3. Host regular team meetings virtually to keep everyone on the same page.
4. A team newsletter or other communique (social media page) is a way to keep people connected and knowing what others are up to.
These things really work and were in fact things my virtual team used to do. Spread across ten countries, these regular activities strengthened connection, boosted engagement and provided team members with a sense of team and being part of the organization, even though we sat thousands of miles apart.
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized - Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching Skills Training for Leaders
Supporting Team Leaders One Conversation at a Time(TM)
(416)996-8326
Potentials Realized - Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching Skills Training for Leaders
Supporting Team Leaders One Conversation at a Time(TM)
(416)996-8326
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