This document discusses improving effectiveness on distributed teams. It defines a distributed team as a group of coworkers working closely together on a regular basis to achieve shared business goals, even if they are located in different offices or work from home. Some benefits of distributed teams include increased talent pools, reduced costs, and improved work-life balance. However, distributed teams also face challenges like difficulty building relationships remotely, communicating, and collaborating across locations. The document provides tips for building, leading, and working on distributed teams effectively.

1. Improving Effectiveness on
Distributed Teams
Rick Neighbarger
Enterprise Quality Assurance Manager
Grange Insurance

2. Improving Effectiveness on
Distributed Teams
1
Distributed Team:
Definition
5
Building a distributed team
2
Benefits
6
Leading a distributed team
3
Challenges
7
Working on/with a
distributed team

3. What is a Distributed Team?
•
•
•
•
Group of coworkers
Working closely together
On a regular basis
To achieve shared business goals
Is my workgroup a
team?

4. What is a Distributed Team?
•
•
Either shared manager or matrixed team
Work from home
•
•
Regularly or on occasion
Work from office
•
Citywide/national/global distribution

5. Distributed Teams
What are the
benefits of
distributed teams?

6. Benefits of Distributed Teams
FOR COMPANY
•
•
•
•
Talent from larger pool
Reduced brick & mortar
expenses
Reduced environmental impact
Improved productivity*
*Ideally
(depends
on the
situation)
FOR EMPLOYEE
•
•
•
•
Flexibility for life & family
Improved work/life balance
Reduced environmental impact
Lower expenses*

7. Distributed Teams
What are the
challenges of
distributed teams?

8. Challenges of Distributed Teams
How do I build a
distributed team?
How do I lead or
manage a distributed
team?
How do I work on a
distributed team?

9. How Do I Build a Distributed Team?
It’s hard to
• Convince management & HR to allow remote teams
• Identify the right people for a distributed team
• Form team relationships remotely
• Onboard team members/deliver common training to
all

10. How Do I Lead a Distributed Team?
It’s hard to
• Set/manage objectives remotely
• Know if everyone is working
• Reward good effort remotely

11. How Do I Work on a Distributed
Team?
It’s hard to
• Communicate what we need to get the work done
•
•
•
•
It’s hard to conduct distributed meetings
It’s hard to collaborate on documentation
Minimize disruptions from home environment
Not gain weight working so close to the kitchen

12. Respect
Above and through all: respect for everyone!

13. Improving Effectiveness on
Distributed Teams
Thanks to the following colleagues who contributed from their wealth of experience working
with distributed teams!
Name
Role
Company
Gary Johnson
Enterprise Testing Consultant
Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Services,
Ottawa, Canada
Gary Westoby
Enterprise Testing Consultant
Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Services,
Sheffield, England
Gay Todd
Testing Manager
Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Services,
Michigan, USA
Anne Berg
IT Analysis Manager
Nationwide Insurance,
Des Moines, USA
These practitioners have over 75 years combined experience working
with and managing distributed teams.

14. QUESTIONS?
Contact Rick at:
NeighbargerR@GrangeInsurance.com