They can’t build as strong a connection – Increasingly many of us have become accustomed to working virtually and working remote is just as natural, and sometimes even more beneficial, than working with others face to face. There is a common myth that you can’t build as strong a connection across the team. With intentional focus on building trust and connection across the team regularly through meeting points, and structured activities. Different technologies such as video calls can also foster connection, trust and interaction amongst staff as well
You need to see each other often (face-to-face)to build connection- There is another common myth that teams have to see each other physically to build connection. With meeting technologies that allow for breakouts, streaming and other highly interactive approaches, we no longer have to rely on face to face meetings to be able to focus on team development. My new book – Effective Virtual Conversations – will include a couple of chapters which will focus on virtual team development
I need to micromanage – As a virtual team leader micro-monitoring is critical. That’s different than micro-managing. Micro-monitoring encourages team members to take action, and through structured reporting, note their progress. Consider the metrics you want to follow and have your team report on. Will a bi-weekly or monthly reporting structure work well? Is there a way to have the team share their insights with each other so that they too can have access to the reports and data flow?
What other myths do you notice about virtual and remote team leadership and management in your work?
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized | Coaching Team Leaders
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats.
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Phone: (416)996-8326