| High Functioning Virtual Teams
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by Karen Goins and Susan Spritz Myers When separated by time zone, culture and physical location, today's global environment often impedes teams from working collaboratively. Yet there are simple steps that virtual teams can take to create better working relationships and successful outcomes. - Alternate meeting times based on each team member's time zone.
- Schedule occasional in-person meetings on different continents, ensuring time to learn the local culture and its impact on team goals.
- Encourage team members to include time for personal sharing. For example, sharing photos of their homes, kids, or hobbies, and discussions about their local culture.
- Use visual and vocal teleconference technologies to build relationships and break down cultural barriers.
- Use remote access technology to share presentations and materials in real time.
- Schedule ways of checking in that connect people. Try this: ask each person to share one thing for which they are thankful.
- Use simple language, pictures and diagrams.
- Encourage questions and restatements to ensure thorough understanding of key points.
- Create an environment that encourages respectful dialogue.
- Some of the best discoveries about the company, market and clients happen around the water cooler; ensure time is allocated to approximate casual "water cooler conversations".
- Ensure everyone on the team keeps an ear out for the latest in virtual team technology.
- Be sensitive to cultural differences and traditions. Be flexible with work schedules.
Virtual teams can be powerful and effective. The stress and complexities of working virtually can be overcome with these simple and respectful strategies. |
Market Research Project: Leadership Development Priorities for 2010
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This fall Karlin Sloan & Company is conducting a series of market research interviews with organizations across the United States and Canada. We are delving into the question "what is most important to your organization" as we create new programs for 2010.
If you would like to participate in our study by providing us with an interview, we will compile our findings by the end of 2009 and deliver a report based on our results. If you would like to participate, please email Robert Demaree at rdemaree@karlinsloan.com before October 5, 2009. We appreciate your interest, and look forward to providing valuable benchmarking for our clients.
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