The Secrets of Successful Virtual,

Dispersed and Remote Teams

Presented by:Korrine JonesOD Consulting

Brisbane, Australia

odconsultingau

Presentation Overview

• My research – a snapshot• The grim reality• Your biggest challenges• Real life lessons

– Leadership– The value of face to face– Team development– One on one relationships and trust– Communication strategies and protocols

• Micro businesses to large multi-nationals• Wide range of industries – IT, banking, direct sales, retail,

public sector, consulting firms, e-learning providers

A Virtual Team

A group of individuals who work together across time, space and organisational boundaries and communicate via technology.

The Grim Reality• Up to 87% of the global workforce is now working remotely at

least part of the time

• 40% of virtual team members feel their teams are underperforming

(Source: RW3, 2012)

Your Challenges

Real Leadership (Virtually)

• Clearly articulated goals, objectives and plans

• Clear roles

• Solid induction

Clear Roles and Processes

Clarity of processes low

High

Team Performance

Low

DispersionLow (same floor) High (different continent)

Clarity of processes high

(Source: Siebdrat, Hoegl and Ernst, 2009)

Select the right people and integrate them

•Right fit•Self starters•Tech savvy•Autonomous•Actively reach out to collaborate

•Induction and training

Manage by Outcomes

(Source: RW3 LLC, 2012)

Face to face interaction at first…..if possible

• Speed up trust building and collaboration

• Shared vision, plans and values

• Social interaction• Global IT – annual

conferences• Statewide team –

every two months

Work deliberately to build the team

Team Values and Ground RulesLEADERSHIP Model corporate vision and values, as well as these team values

RESPONSIBILITY AND INTEGRITY Participate – say what you believe Work to know who will do what by when Do what you say you’re going to do Take initiative

RESPECT Actively listen and acknowledge other viewpoints Recognise the value of others’ jobs – ask for help and realise that people have other priorities Be sensitive to others’ values, cultures – reap the richness of diversity Be friendly and thoughtful to all

TEAMWORK Recognise others’ contributions and successes Cooperate with fellow staff members and support their efforts Acknowledge electronic communication with agreed timeframes Support organisational decisions and strategic objectives Don’t take ourselves too seriously – have fun!

CREATIVITY Encourage thinking ‘outside the box’ Encourage discussion around points of disagreement or uncertainty Challenge the status quo Envision possibilities Allow yourself to experiment, fail and try again

Respectfully hold people responsible for these team values

Rituals, symbols, avatars, celebrations

Cross-team Collaboration

Work to build one on one relationships

• Very deliberately contact each team member frequently, particularly those most remote

• Have purely social conversations to replace incidental communication

• If possible, spend face to face time with new starters

Swift Trust

Needs and Expectations

Expectations•Get paid•Regular meetings•Holidays•Fun workplace

Needs•Financial security•Respect•Belonging

Trust

Trust is fragile – we need to be explicit in our needs, expectations and promises (entente.com.au)

Replicate water cooler conversations

Meet often - virtually

Video presentation

Ensure Effective Communication

• Agree on how to communicate

• Communication protocols

• Virtual meeting protocols

Choose and Use Tools Wisely

In Summary

• Virtual leadership is different• Face to face – if possible• Work to develop the team• Build one on one relationships• Develop communication

strategies and protocols

Further Information

For whitepapers and more information

www.odconsulting.com.au

OD Consulting

odconsultingau