Leading Collaborative Virtual Teams

Leading Collaborative
Virtual Teams

September 26, 2012

© 2012 NetSpeed Learning Solutions. All rights reserved. 1

Webinar Objectives

• Design your “game plan” around eight
practices
• Bring attention, direction, and
recognition to your virtual team
• Build accountability among virtual team
members


About Cynthia Clay

• 25+ years of experience
• Author of Great Webinars
(Pfeiffer, 2012)
• An expert in
collaborative, engaging virtual
learning


Tweet

#virtualteams


Purpose

What moved you to register for this
webinar?


Definition

“groups of individuals who work across time,
space, and organizational boundaries and who
interact primarily through electronic
communications”

Source: SHRM, Virtual Teams, 7/13/12


Who Uses Virtual Teams?

46% of organizations polled
66% of multi-national organizations

Source: SHRM, Virtual Teams, 7/13/12 (n = 379)


Who Uses Them?

In companies of 10,000+ employees, 80%
rely on virtual teams.

Source: i4cp, 2008


Poll

Why does your organization use virtual
teams?
• include talent in multiple locations
• increase collaboration
• improve productivity
• minimize travel costs
• work on global projects


Poll: Obstacles

What primary obstacle causes virtual teams to fail?
• Lack of systems and processes
• Inability to build team cohesion
• Time differences
• Work distribution
• Differing cultural norms
• Poor communication
• No access to technology


Darn Hard

“Leadership in my book comes down to
communication. But communicating in person
and communicating electronically are
not the same thing. It is darn hard
to motivate and inspire from
long distance.”

Manager quoted in “Leading Virtual Teams,” Academy of Management
Perspectives (February 2007)


Poll: Virtual Team Leaders

What characteristics (qualities or
skills) must team leaders demonstrate?
• Listen well
• Build trust
• Establish clear expectations
• Facilitate virtual meetings
• Build consensus
• Demonstrate cultural awareness
• Maintain a sense of humor


Virtual Leaders Must Provide…


Your Virtual Game Plan™


G
Grow Trust


Grow Trust

G

Grow Trust

• Set expectations
• Discuss norms
• Establish communication

G
channels
• Respect time zones


Virtual Presence


Create Virtual Presence

How can you help team members create
virtual presence?


A
Attend to Diversity


Attend to Diversity

• Create a Talented Expert
directory

A
• Build virtual presence
(photos, bios, skills and
experience)
• Respect cultural norms and
differences


M
Manage Accountability


Manage Accountability

• Set clear goals and targets
• Create processes to

M
manage responsibilities and
results
• Have team members post
progress reports


E
Expect Teamwork


Expect Teamwork

E

Expect Teamwork

• Encourage collaboration
• Brainstorm and problem

E
solve
• Have sub-teams meet
outside team meetings


P
Plan Meetings


Plan Meetings

• Prepare and send agendas
in advance
• Segment meetings:

P
information-sharing, idea
generation, project reporting
• Document discussions and
action items


Keep Communication Flowing

What technological tools
contribute to open, effective
communication on a virtual
team?

What virtual team
workspaces do you use?


L
Leverage Technology


Leverage Technology

• Use Skype with video
• Meet weekly via web
conferencing

L
• Set up micro-blogs and IM
• Implement project
management software
• Create virtual collaboration
spaces


A
Appreciate and Celebrate



A


• Celebrate milestones and
results in team meetings
• Recognize individual and

A
team contributions
• Include appreciation in
every conversation


N
Nurture Relationships


Nurture Relationships

• Get to know each individual
personally
• Learn about hopes and

N
dreams
• Help them
develop their careers


The Virtual Team Leader


Decisions


Our Story
•Began as an independent consulting practice
1992 •Provided organization and leadership development to Pacific NW clients

•Developed NetSpeed Leadership (blended learning)
2000 •Expanded nationally

•Developed Blazing Service (blended learning)
2006 •Began to experiment with interactive, VILT using web conferencing

•Developed NetSpeed Fast Tracks™ (integrated learning system)
2007

•Rebranded the company as NetSpeed Learning Solutions
2008 •Repurposed all programs for VILT

•Introduced the Virtual Facilitator Trainer Certification course
2009 •Published Great Webinars

•Published Peer Power
2011 •Launched the Peer Power virtual training program

•Established as virtual learning experts
2012 •Wiley & Sons republish both Great Webinars and Peer Power


Virtual Learning Evolves


Integrated Learning System

42

Integrated Learning System

• Keyword Searchable
• Video podcasting
• Podcasting with avatars
• Knols (web-based units of knowledge)
• Blogs
• Insights (expert interviews via podcast)
• Three authoring levels: content
manager, designated authors, peer authors


NetSpeed Leadership


NetSpeed Leadership®
1. Face-to-face (3 hour) or
Virtual Classroom (90-
minute)
2. Post-class reinforcement
tools
3. NetSpeed Administrator™
(to report the impact of
training)


Three Tracks – 24 Modules

Leadership Development – 8 modules
Performance Management – 8 modules
Professional Development – 8 modules

Available for classroom and virtual delivery


NetSpeed Learning Center


Virtual Classroom

48

Peer Power

Published in 2012 by
Jossey-Bass


Knols


Virtual Facilitator Training


Virtual Facilitator Training

• Deep dive, comprehensive course
• Focused on virtual design and delivery
• Next public VFTC course begins October 22
• Customized for private delivery in your web
conference platform


Benefits of Partnering with Us
• Create innovative solutions that meet your
business objectives
• Meet the needs of virtual learners and leaders
• Offer ready-to-launch blended programs
• Offer customized learning solutions
• Simplify your move to virtual learning


Take our Survey
• Link to download our new eBook (From
Chalkboard to Keyboard)
• Use the discount code from the
eBook to receive $345 off the
VFTC course
• Learn about our year-end
promotion


Q&A


Leading Collaborative Virtual Teams

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