Course Summary:

Virtual teams are growing in popularity since many companies continue to grow and expand in different areas. But sometimes learning to manage a team that we can’t physically see every day can be difficult. When we learn how to manage our local teams, as well as our virtual teams, we can form a group that works together to increase productivity and provides a new perspective on any project

Course Objectives:

Research has consistently demonstrated that when clear goals are associated with learning, it occurs more easily and rapidly. With that in mind, let’s review our goals for today. 
At the end of this workshop, participants should be able to:

• Know the keys to establishing a virtual team
• Learn how to hold effective meetings and group sessions
• Learn effective ways to communicate with team members
• Use tools to build trust and confidence among employees
• Know how to handle poor performing employees
• Know how to manage a virtual team during any project

Course Outline

Module One: Getting Started 

• Workshop Objectives
• Pre-Assignment 

Module Two: Setting Up Your Virtual Team (I) 

• Choose Self-Motivated People with Initiative
• Face to Face Meetings at First (Kick-off Meeting)
• Diversity Will Add Value
• Experienced with Technology
• Case Study 

Module Two: Review Questions

• Module Three: Setting Up Your Virtual Team (II)
• Personality Can Count as Much as Skills
• Rules of Engagement
• Setting up Ground Rules
• Icebreakers and Introductions
• Case Study
• Module Three: Review Questions

Module Four: Virtual Team Meetings 

• Scheduling Will Always Be an Issue
• Have a Clear Objective and Agenda
• Solicit Additional Topics in Advance
• Discourage Just Being a Status Report
• Case Study
• Module Four: Review Questions

Module Five: Communication (I) 

• Early and Often
• Rules of Responsiveness
• Face to Face When Possible
• Choose the Best Tool
• Case Study
• Module Five: Review Questions

Module Six: Communication (II) 

• Be Honest and Clear
• Stay in Constant Contact
• Don’t Make Assumptions
• Set Up Email Protocols
• Case Study
• Module Six: Review Questions

Module Seven: Building Trust

• Trust Your Team and They Will Trust You
• Beware of “Us vs. Them” Territorial Issues
• Share Best Practices
• Create a Sense of Ownership
• Case Study
• Module Seven: Review Questions

Module Eight: Cultural Issues 

• Respect and Embrace Differences
• Be Aware of Different Work Styles
• Know Your Team Members Cultural Background
• Case Study
• Module Eight: Review Questions

Module Nine: To Succeed With a Virtual Team 

• Set Clear Goals
• Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Build a Team Culture
• Provide Timely Feedback
• Case Study
• Module Nine: Review Questions

Module Ten: Dealing With Poor Team Player

• Manage Their Results, Not Their Activities
• Be Proactive, Not Reactive
• Check In Often
• Remove Them
• Case Study
• Module Ten: Review Questions

Module Eleven: Choosing the Right Tools 

• Communication Software
• Collaboration and Sharing Tools
• Project Management Software
• Use What Works for You and Your Team
• Case Study
• Module Eleven: Review Questions

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise