Managing Virtual Teams: 3 Essential Strategies for Success - Part 1

It’s a fact that many of us regard ourselves as global citizens. While opinions on this may differ, there's no denying that companies are continuing to expand globally. As a result, it's increasingly common for teams to find themselves working with colleagues and managers based in different countries — often in various time zones.

Virtual teams were already on the rise, but the global shift to remote working during the pandemic has accelerated this trend. While there are clear benefits to a virtual team strategy, such as increased flexibility and a wider talent pool, it also creates challenges for managers. At Excel Communications, our clients span Europe and beyond. In recent years, we've had countless conversations about how organisations can support managers tasked with overseeing virtual teams.

Given the importance of this topic, we’re covering 6 key strategies across this and the following article. Stay tuned for part 2.

1. Recruit The Right People

It’s rare to recruit an entire team from scratch. Often, you inherit an established team, gaining opportunities to bring in new talent when people leave for promotions or new roles, hopefully within the company.

When recruiting, focus on the skills and characteristics that indicate a person can thrive in a remote setting. Some key skills include:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Confidence and comfort with IT, as you’ll rely heavily on technology for communication and collaboration.
• Problem-solving ability, without needing constant hands-on guidance.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

It’s important to note that some individuals thrive in an office environment, while others prefer the solitude of remote work. Be mindful of these preferences, as team dynamics may be affected.

During interviews, ask candidates about their experience with virtual work. Explore how they’ve navigated past challenges and assess their comfort level with remote collaboration.

2. Focus On Communication

One of the biggest challenges of virtual teams is the absence of in-person interactions. While technology offers numerous options to facilitate communication, the key is choosing the right medium based on your message.

For example, delivering sensitive information may require a phone call or video chat. Video calls allow for visual cues, which can foster stronger connections, particularly with team members who respond well to visual communication.

For instructions or documentation, email or internal messaging tools work well, as they provide a written record that team members can refer to later.

Remember: Tailor your communication to the message, the recipient, and their preferred style of communication. Keep records when necessary.

3. Choose The Right Technology

Technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, making virtual collaboration easier than ever. However, it’s crucial to choose tools that align with your team’s needs and preferences.

Here are a few suggestions:

• General communication: Many organisations use platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Zoom for day-to-day communication and meetings.
• Document sharing and collaboration: Tools like Google Docs, Dropbox, or internal cloud platforms are useful for sharing information and reports.
• Brainstorming and collaboration: Platforms such as Miro, Trello, and Asana enable teams to collaborate on projects and brainstorm ideas in real-time, regardless of location.

While virtual teams are now a standard practice for many organisations, managing them effectively requires thoughtful strategies. These 3 tips — and the additional 3 we’ll cover in part 2 — will help ensure you and your team continue to thrive in a hybrid or fully remote working world.

Many thanks,

Alex & The Excel Team

P.S. If you would like to discuss any of your other learning & development challenges, book in your discovery call.

About Excel Communications

Excel Communications is a learning and development consultancy based near London in the U.K. For more than 30 years; we have been collaborating with clients across the globe.  

Partnering with Excel empowers you to evolve your people and business by fuelling a love for learning.   

We work with you to create unforgettably, customised learning experiences to achieve your vision of success and growth, with tangible results.   

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