Leadership in Action: Virtual Success: The keys to Effectiveness in Leading From a Distance

PERFORMANCE ENHANCERS

To help enhance team performance, leaders of virtual teams should consider the following guidelines, grouped into two categories:

Team Processes, Communication, and Technology

• Hold an initial face-to-face meeting for new teams. If this is not feasible, ensure that team members spend time getting to know one another early on, and schedule a face-to-face meeting within the first ninety days.
• Create a team charter to enhance commitment and accountability.
• Define the roles and responsibilities of team members clearly and revisit these regularly.
• Determine the best communication and decision-making practices for the team.
• Match the technology to the task.
• Ensure that team members are comfortable giving feedback virtually.