Questrom Team Learning
Student Resources
Virtual Teams
Virtual Work
Today a considerable amount of teamwork happens in a virtual environment, even when team members are co-located and able to physically meet in person. Virtual teams conduct meetings, collaborate, manage their projects, provide feedback and support, and complete their work remotely. Virtual teams require good teaming practices (which are addressed in the previous sections). Beyond that, virtual teams encounter additional challenges related to a remote work environment. Those challenges are addressed in this section, along with important tips for successful virtual teamwork.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
Since team members do not have the ability to meet together in person, there is a greater need for the team to pay particular attention to relationship building. Getting to know one’s teammates is essential, so think of creative ways to engage with and learn about your new team members. Be sure that, at minimum, your first few team meetings take place at a time when all members can be present (remote, face-to-face, synchronous meetings).
SET CLEAR GUIDELINES
SET CLEAR GUIDELINES
As with all teams, virtual teams need to establish clear guidelines for what they plan to accomplish and how they will get there. Virtual teams also need to set up a GRPI+ Team Contract. Beyond that, virtual teams need to be very clear about technology and time since these determine how and when the work gets done. In many cases, virtual teams can effectively leverage both technology and time to accomplish their work “around the clock” – managing the work across different time zones.
Boston University Questrom School of Business
Rafik B. Hariri Building
595 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Rafik B. Hariri Building
595 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215