The managers and staff who comprise a virtual team know that working across long distances has its challenges. Different styles of management and a strong work ethic are extremely important in order for these teams to work well together.

Which three things are most valuable to ensure success while managing a virtual team?

Coordination

A virtual team manager must have the ability to accommodate multiple schedules as most virtual workers work for more than one company or are simultaneously working several different projects. Strong organizational skills and the patience to deal with last minute changes, whether by clients or members of the team are also important. Just like any business manager, managing and juggling multiple projects is a skill that’s developed through experience and some have the genius ability to excel at this.

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” ~ Andrew Carnegie

Communication

Staying in touch with all members of your team provides the cohesion needed to work as a group. While some virtual teams are ultra conservative and managers rule just like a brick and mortar office, others consider themselves family and the team members stay in close touch as much as possible. Virtual teams that put in the effort to know one another tend to work better as a group, since each can depend on the others as back up, creating a team spirit that is noticeable to their clients.

“The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.” ~ Vincent Lombardi

Collaboration

Excellent knowledge of collaborative and security software is another main component of managing a virtual team successfully. Innovations in technology have led to transformations in the way we work and what is now considered an office. Most virtual team managers have extensive experience working with the most up to date software that will help their teams work well together. Sharing documents and real time updating is essential in any group that may work across different time zones. Collaboration between team members results in more creative results for your customers.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller

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