While assumptions are dangerous for most teams, they can be the "kiss of death" for virtual teams. Without the ability to see each other every day, structured communication touchpoints take on a new meaning. At the same token, there are a variety of layers of assumptions that can be made across a virtual team. Consider these different types of assumptions we may be making:
Assumptions about priorities - that my work is at a certain level of priority. How clear is the entire team about priorities.
Assumptions about how we like to work - when we can't see each other regularly we may start thinking that everyone likes to work the way we do. Consider your own style in terms of questions like:
Cultural Assumptions - Throughout my entire career I have managed muti-national teams. Even for neighbouring countries like Canada and the US (note the Canadian spelling of neighboring), a lack of understanding of the cultural nuances can mean success and failure. What are the cultural assumptions and biases you are bringing to the table? What assumptions are you making about other team members from other countries. As much as we are influenced by our own culture, we also need to keep in mind that for many working on virtual teams, we may have worked in a number of different countries which has also influenced our own cultural norms. For example, don't think that because I am Canadian I'll always act a certain way, especially given that throughout the years I have worked for British companies, the UN and other global entities.
Generational Assumptions - There is much talk today about the different generational styles of the workforce - Boomers, GenXers, Millenials and Gen Z - and how we prefer to work and what we value. Where are assumptions getting in the way of looking at each individual as an individual.
For your own work, consider how assumptions are tempering your approach to virtual leadership and/or virtual facilitation. I go more in-depth to this topic in my new book, Effective Virtual Conversations.
Have a great start to your week,
Jennifer
Assumptions about priorities - that my work is at a certain level of priority. How clear is the entire team about priorities.
Assumptions about how we like to work - when we can't see each other regularly we may start thinking that everyone likes to work the way we do. Consider your own style in terms of questions like:
- Are you a big picture person or details oriented.
- Do you like to get things done now, or think about things before getting them done.
- How does my work style vary with my colleagues?
- What adjustments do I need to make in order to work more effectively with others?
Cultural Assumptions - Throughout my entire career I have managed muti-national teams. Even for neighbouring countries like Canada and the US (note the Canadian spelling of neighboring), a lack of understanding of the cultural nuances can mean success and failure. What are the cultural assumptions and biases you are bringing to the table? What assumptions are you making about other team members from other countries. As much as we are influenced by our own culture, we also need to keep in mind that for many working on virtual teams, we may have worked in a number of different countries which has also influenced our own cultural norms. For example, don't think that because I am Canadian I'll always act a certain way, especially given that throughout the years I have worked for British companies, the UN and other global entities.
Generational Assumptions - There is much talk today about the different generational styles of the workforce - Boomers, GenXers, Millenials and Gen Z - and how we prefer to work and what we value. Where are assumptions getting in the way of looking at each individual as an individual.
For your own work, consider how assumptions are tempering your approach to virtual leadership and/or virtual facilitation. I go more in-depth to this topic in my new book, Effective Virtual Conversations.
Have a great start to your week,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized | Coaching Team Leaders
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats.
Follow us on Twitter @Teams365
Phone: (416)996-8326
You can grab a copy of my new book, Effective Virtual Conversations, at Amazon. You can also purchase a copy direct from our site, signed by me!
Looking to schedule some team development this fall? Contact me to discuss whether the Everything DiSC or the Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team may be a great starting point.
Potentials Realized | Coaching Team Leaders
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats.
Follow us on Twitter @Teams365
Phone: (416)996-8326
You can grab a copy of my new book, Effective Virtual Conversations, at Amazon. You can also purchase a copy direct from our site, signed by me!
Looking to schedule some team development this fall? Contact me to discuss whether the Everything DiSC or the Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team may be a great starting point.
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