Virtual Team Member Needs
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One hour webinar introducing 11 needs of virtual team members
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Virtual Team Member Needs
- 1. © 2015 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions Helping Leaders Lead Better Virtually The Needs of Virtual Team Members
- 2. The Needs of Virtual Team Members Team Member Needs © 2016 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions 2
- 3. The Needs of Virtual Team Members Feel Connected, Not Isolated 3 Need #1 What’s the best way to help virtual team members feel connected? © 2016 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions
- 4. The Needs of Virtual Team Members Have Clear Goals and Expectations 4 Need #2 © 2016 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions
- 5. The Needs of Virtual Team Members Receive frequent feedback on their progress 5 Need #3 How can virtual leaders give frequent feedback in a supportive way? © 2016 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions
- 6. The Needs of Virtual Team Members Be consulted on issues and decisions 6 Need #4 © 2016 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions
- 7. The Needs of Virtual Team Members Be able to get fast answers to immediate questions 7 Need #5 What technological tools make it possible for virtual team members to get fast answers? © 2016 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions
- 8. The Needs of Virtual Team Members Not be micro-managed 8 Need #6 © 2016 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions
- 9. The Needs of Virtual Team Members See how their work fits with the work of others © 2015 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions 9 Need #7
- 10. The Needs of Virtual Team Members Understand the capabilities of virtual teammates 10 Need #8 © 2016 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions
- 11. The Needs of Virtual Team Members Have clearly identified communication channels 11 Need #9 What communication channels and tools is your organization already using? © 2016 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions
- 12. The Needs of Virtual Team Members Ensure that their career progress is supported 12 Need #10 © 2016 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions
- 13. The Needs of Virtual Team Members Feel appreciated and recognized for their contributions 13 Need #11 © 2016 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions
- 14. The Needs of Virtual Team Members Connect with Intention © 2016 Clay & Associates Inc./NetSpeed Learning Solutions 14 Summary
Editor's Notes
- Script: In order to truly connect and build a relationship with someone, whether a colleague, a customer, or a virtual team member, you must understand their needs. The research we’ve done to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the virtual workplace indicate that there are eleven virtual team members needs that are most important.
- Script: Need #1: Virtual team members want to feel connected and not isolated. Virtual team leaders have to consciously strive to reduce the sense of virtual distance. They must build connections, even though they may not see their team members every day. That may mean quick check-in phone calls, video conferences, or instant messages to provide support and encouragement.
- Script: Need #2: Virtual team members want to have clear goals and expectations. In order to feel confident that they are working on the right things, people need to know exactly what their managers expect. Leaders should take time to clarify their expectations with each virtual team member.
- Script: Need #3: The people on your virtual team hope to receive frequent feedback on their progress. Of course, all of us want to know we are doing a great job, but virtual team members also want to know if they are on or off track. It’s up to the virtual team leader to assign tasks and set up frequent check-in conversations to provide both positive and constructive feedback.
- Script: Need #4: People working virtually want to be consulted on issues and decisions, especially if those issues and decisions are going to impact them. Virtual team leaders must avoid the “out of sight, out of mind” phenomenon that can sometimes result in forgetting to update virtual team members who are working offsite.
- Script: Need #5: Someone working virtually wants to be able to get fast answers to their immediate questions. Imagine that you are working from home, for example, and you have a quick question for your manager. Until you get that answer, you might be stuck. You can’t see what might be holding up your progress. Is your manager away from their desk? In another meeting? Virtual teams should agree on norms that govern how quickly everyone on the team posts their status and responds to quick questions.
- Script: Need #6: Virtual team members report that they hate being micro-managed. Ironically, virtual team leaders say they just want everyone to be accountable. Not having a window into their virtual teams’ activities, they may resort to more frequent, annoying phone calls or emails. As managers of remote teams, leaders should set up clear expectations and reporting systems without resorting to surprise phone calls or irritating micro-management strategies.
- Script: Need #7: Virtual team members want to see how their work integrates with the work of other people on the team. Many virtual team leaders hold regular staff meetings to bring their virtual teams together. In those meetings everyone takes time to share their accomplishments as well as their current priorities and challenges, and discuss any blocking issues that arise.
- Script: Need #8: Virtual workers want to understand the capabilities of others on their team. Team leaders can address this need by ensuring that everyone has the opportunity formally and informally to share their experience. It’s sometimes useful to have an online talent bank where people can post their biographies, resumes or profiles. And, perhaps, a virtual team member might be featured in each staff meeting so that everyone can get to know them better.
- Script: Need #9: Remote workers want to have clearly identified communication channels. When is it appropriate to use a file sharing site, for example? What is the best use of email on the team? When should we use or avoid using an instant messenger tool? Should virtual team members save their questions for a standing meeting or launch a video conference call with the boss when they need input? Agreeing on the virtual team’s communication channels can reduce confusion for everyone.
- Script: Need #10: Our virtual team members want to ensure that their career progress is supported. Lacking visibility in the organization, it may seem to virtual team members as if their careers are going to derail, now that they work from home or from a remote office location. The best virtual managers take time for regular career development discussions and champion their virtual team members within the organization.
- Script: Need #11: Like all employees, virtual team members want to feel appreciated and recognized for their contributions. That might be a simple “thank you” over the phone, public recognition in a virtual team meeting, or a heartfelt congratulations email when a milestone is reached. The best virtual team leaders look for frequent opportunities to appreciate and recognize their team members.
- Script: We might summarize the virtual team leader’s response to these 11 needs as Connect with Intention. Not only do leaders need to facilitate engaging virtual meetings, but they also need to pick up the phone, start a private video conference, or send a friendly text message. In other words, they need to connect more frequently and with the intention to establish and support their virtual relationships with each of their team members.