#Teams365 #524: Working Across Differences with Your Virtual Team

Working across differences – In today’s environment there is a real need to be able to work across differences – generational, geographical, functional and cultural (whether it is team, division, organization, industry or other). Past posts I have written on conflict styles are relevant as you approach this topic. You can read those here.

Several ways to work effectively across the differences which can exist on virtual teams include:

1. Find the similarities which do exist – What is the common ground?
   
   
2. When you feel you are polar opposite consider the 2% that is similar or in common.
   
   
3. Get to know each other – strengths, roles, preferences etc. This can take additional time and building relationships together are very important for virtual team success.
   
   
4. Approach each other as individuals and as unique. Watch for, and avoid, stereotypes.
   
   
5. Check in around your assumptions – are they correct? What different assumptions are being held by different team members? How clear are expectations.
   
   
6. Try to create opportunities to be together even if is only once a year
   
   
7. Use face to face time as much as you can even if it is via skype.
   
   

What other tips would you have around getting to know your virtual team and working across differences?

Have a great start to your week,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton, MES, CPT, PCC
Potentials Realized | CoachingTeamLeaders.com
Author of From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (Jossey-Bass, 2013) and Effective Group Coaching (Wiley, 2010)
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