#TEams365 #538: Supporting a Virtual Team of TElecommuters

Here in the city of Toronto over the next few weeks telecommuting will be widely embraced as the Pan Am games are rolled in. Concern for gridlock and extending an already long commute, makes for a very appealing case for telecommuting – at least for a few weeks this summer. As someone who has worked primarily virtually for the last eleven years, I hope that this experiment borne out of necessity may open the eyes of some organizations realizing the potential and benefits in the longer term. Supporting a virtual team of telecommuters will draw on your regular skill sets as a leader, along with some additional resources.

As a leader, things to consider when supporting those who are working virtually or remote:
                               

1. What are their preferences for connecting with you and the team –  Ask your self, what type of communication will people prefer? Text? Email? Phone call? Face time or skype?
   
   
2. Make sure you hold regular one-on-ones with the entire team perhaps on a more frequent basis. This touch point, even a five minute phone call, helps to support connection and also productivity.
   
   
3. In those one on ones “Micro-monitor, don’t micro-manage”. This was a favorite phras3e of a former colleague and collaborator of mine Doug McLaren. A long-time team leader, Doug and I co-facilitated several leadership training modules for almost four years. As I’ll elaborate in the next point, knowing what is going on and what type of support each team member will need is critical.
   
   
4. Be focused in your one on one time. In supporting a team of telecommuters, knowing what everyone is working on, what the status is, and where they might need support from you, is imperative.
   
   
5. Be strategic with team meetings – place an emphasis on team connection during meetings and outside of these. For teams that are telecommuting for a short period, and usually work together, consider how they can virtualize some of your regular practices. For teams that are usually virtual, consider how you can physically get together at least once a year.
   
   

Questions to consider:

What one tip around telecommuting do you want to focus on this week or month ?

What will make telecommuting successful for your team?

What type of support do they need from you – individually? Collectively?

Have a great start to your week!
With best wishes,
Jennifer

Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized | Coaching Team Leaders
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