Virtual Groups More Difficult to Manage

“Leading and managing a virtual team can be more difficult than contending with a face-to-face group,” observes Dr. Gary Woodhill, director of Research and Analysis for Brandon Hall. “Obviously, one big problem with being in charge of a virtual team is the difficulty understanding and managing what you cannot see.”

Dr. Joyce Thompsen is an executive consultant for AchieveGlobal in Los Angeles. Woodhill notes her argument that it takes at least the following five skills to manage a virtual team:

>> Communicating effectively and using technology that fits the situation.
>> Building community, based on mutual trust, respect, fairness, and affiliation among team members.
>> Establishing clear and inspiring shared goals, expectations, purpose and vision.
>> Leading by example with a focus on visible, measurable results.
>> Coordinating/collaborating across organizational boundaries.