Distance Leading

  ProjectsAtWork  

The most effective virtual team leaders are able to balance execution-oriented practices with interpersonal skills and cultural factors. Communication is king. Here are six best practices that all team leaders need to master, but are especially critical on virtual projects:

Manage change. You must overcome the lack of face-to-face contact and difference in time zones to find methods that will help your team consistently handle and implement changes. One important step is to involve your team members in decisions that affect them. Doing so increases the quality of the team's decision making and helps maintain high levels of enthusiasm and commitment for the duration of a given change.

Foster collaboration. Constantly look for new ways to infuse team spirit and trust, which helps to boost productivity and cooperation. Find ways for team members to interact and communicate informally. For example, use 'same-time' technologies such as IM to increase more spontaneous communication between team members.

Proactively manage conflicts. Because conflict can often initially go undetected in virtual environments, you must proactively look for signs of it and take steps to resolve it in a timely manner.

Communicate team goals and direction. Clearly articulate team goals and direction to ensure that everyone has a shared vision. Periodically revisit these …

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