Leading Collaborative Virtual Teams

© 2014 NetSpeed Learning Solutions. All rights reserved. 1
Leading Collaborative
Virtual Teams
April 15, 2014

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
• 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
• Set expectations
• Discuss norms
• Establish communication
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
A
• Create a Talented Expert
directory
• Build virtual presence
(photos, bios, skills and
experience)
• Respect cultural norms and
differences

M
Manage Accountability

Manage Accountability
M
• Set clear goals and targets
• Create processes to
manage responsibilities and
results
• Have team members post
progress reports

E
Expect Teamwork

Expect Teamwork
E

Expect Teamwork
E
• Encourage collaboration
• Brainstorm and problem
solve
• Have sub-teams meet
outside team meetings

Plan Meetings
P

Plan Meetings
P
• Prepare and send agendas
in advance
• Segment meetings:
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
L
• Use Skype with video
• Meet weekly via web
conferencing
• Set up micro-blogs and IM
• Implement project
management software
• Create virtual collaboration
spaces

A
Appreciate and Celebrate

A

A
• Celebrate milestones and
results in team meetings
• Recognize individual and
team contributions
• Include appreciation in
every conversation

N
Nurture Relationships

Nurture Relationships
N
• Get to know each individual
personally
• Learn about hopes and
dreams
• Help them
develop their careers

The Virtual Team Leader

Decisions

40© 2014 NetSpeed Learning Solutions. All rights reserved.
Our Story
1992
•Began as an independent consulting practice
•Provided organization and leadership development to Pacific NW clients
2000
•Developed NetSpeed Leadership (blended learning)
•Expanded nationally
2006
•Developed Blazing Service (blended learning)
•Began to experiment with interactive, VILT using web conferencing
2007
•Developed NetSpeed Fast Tracks™ (integrated learning system)
2008
•Rebranded the company as NetSpeed Learning Solutions
•Repurposed all programs for VILT
2009
•Introduced the Virtual Facilitator Trainer Certification course
•Published Great Webinars
2011
•Published Peer Power
•Launched the Peer Power virtual training program
2012
•Established as virtual learning experts
•Wiley & Sons republish both Great Webinars and Peer Power

Virtual Learning Evolves

NetSpeed Leadership 2®

NetSpeed Leadership2®
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

45
Integrated Learning System

Peer Power

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Facilitator Training

Virtual Facilitator Training
• Deep dive, comprehensive course
• Focused on virtual design and delivery
• Next public VFTC course begins May 8
• Customized for private delivery in your web
conference platform

• 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
Benefits of Partnering with Us

• Link to download our eBook (The Other Side
of the Desk).
• Schedule a private Virtual Facilitator course
by June 15 and receive 15% off the standard
price.
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Leading Collaborative Virtual Teams

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