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).

SPACE for

CONVERSATION

Meetings are important but the collaboration of members is the key to team success. How to create a space for casual conversations and to get to know your members more are fundamental and essential especially for virtual teams. Here are some ideas for teams to build a safe and relaxed atmoshpere.

Engage everyone at the beginning of the meeting in conversations related to their interests, news, music, or movies, etc. These conversations help team members get to know each other and build relationships.

Regardless of whether your meetings occur during lunch, encourage team members to bring some food or a drink with them. Sharing a meal – even virtually – can make the meeting feel more casual, and can ease tensions during meetings.

Consider meeting your teammates outside of work or team meetings. You may get some surprises. Set up some team-bonding time such as Thirsty Thursday, coffee chat, or any BYOS session (Bring Your Own Snacks). That way, team meetings can stay focused on the task at hand and members can still engage with each other.

SPACE for

CONVERSATION

Meetings are important but the collaboration of members is the key to team success. How to create a space for casual conversations and to get to know your members more are fundamental and essential especially for virtual teams. Here are some ideas for teams to build a safe and relaxed atmoshpere.

Engage everyone at the beginning of the meeting in conversations related to their interests, news, music, or movies, etc. These conversations help team members get to know each other and build relationships.

Regardless of whether your meetings occur during lunch, encourage team members to bring some food or a drink with them. Sharing a meal – even virtually – can make the meeting feel more casual, and can ease tensions during meetings.

Consider meeting your teammates outside of work or team meetings. You may get some surprises. Set up some team-bonding time such as Thirsty Thursday, coffee chat, or any BYOS session (Bring Your Own Snacks). That way, team meetings can stay focused on the task at hand and members can still engage with each other.

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.

Gather together after each deliverable with your favorite drink/beer/wine beside you. Use the time to get to know each other, provide feedback, review progress, or celebrate the completion of the team deliverable. Cheers!

Organize a virtual field trip according to your team’s interests. Several great museums offer virtual tours. It is good to learn more about each person’s preferences and interests when your team has a topic to discuss.

If there is a trained instructor on your team, let him/her lead a class for your team. If not, have team members suggest their favorite Zoom activity and invite the team to participate.

Enjoy your time playing some interesting games online — examples include virtual escape rooms, board games, and drawing activities.

In addition to the well-known holidays, there are many lesser-known and special holidays that can be celebrated. If your team has a diverse culture, consider celebrating a holiday that is important to each team member. Find some interesting ones and enjoy your time together.

VIRTUAL

ACTIVITIES

There are many fun and interesting activities that you can engage in with your virtual team. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

VIRTUAL

ACTIVITIES

There are many fun and interesting activities that you can engage in with your virtual team. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Gather together after each deliverable with your favorite drink/beer/wine beside you. Use the time to get to know each other, provide feedback, review progress, or celebrate the completion of the team deliverable. Cheers!

Organize a virtual field trip according to your team’s interests. Several great museums offer virtual tours. It is good to learn more about each person’s preferences and interests when your team has a topic to discuss.

If there is a trained instructor on your team, let him/her lead a class for your team. If not, have team members suggest their favorite Zoom activity and invite the team to participate.

Enjoy your time playing some interesting games online — examples include virtual escape rooms, board games, and drawing activities.

In addition to the well-known holidays, there are many lesser-known and even strange holidays that can be celebrated. If your team has a diverse culture, consider celebrating a holiday that is important to each team member. Find some interesting ones and enjoy your time together.