How to Manage a Virtual Work Team
Technology has made it possible to wake up in New York, go to work for a company in Los Angeles, call on clients based in Miami and have an afternoon virtual business meeting in Paris. Many companies are taking notice of the advantages of a virtual office. If you are in charge of managing a team of remote workers, here are some tips to be a success.
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Things You'll Need
- Independent remote workers
- Necessary technology and equipment resources
- Management skills
Instructions
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1
Develop trust with all of your virtual team members. Let them know that you respect them and that you know they will do their best work for you. Support their independence to make decisions when they have to. You will not always be around to police everything they do.
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Be available to the virtual work team members. Let them know they can contact you if a problem should arise.
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Encourage team members to interact with each other. If they build a rapport, they will feel confident to help one another.
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Make sure that virtual team members have the appropriate technology and resources to complete their projects successfully. Equipment should be in good working order. Be sure that virtual employees are trained to use equipment and resources properly.
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Establish goals and responsibilities for virtual team members. Clarify what is expected of them. Develop timelines for the projects they are responsible for completing. This will help them stay on task.
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Communicate with your remote workers on a regular basis. Set up a particular day and time to meet with them. Keep them informed to alleviate any miscommunication. Discuss their progress on projects. Let them know you are aware of what they are working on. If they know you are keeping track of their workflow, they are less likely to become careless.
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Compliment your virtual work team members regularly. Encouragement will boost productivity from your remote workers and can make your virtual office a success.
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