The way we work is changing. With advances in technology, it’s now possible to work from anywhere in the world. This has led to the rise of different types of virtual teams – groups of employees who work together online, often from different locations.
There are many different types of virtual teams, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore 5 of the most common types:
Project-based virtual teams
Task-based virtual teams
Functional virtual teams
Cross-functional virtual teams
Global virtual teams
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the pros and cons of each type of virtual team so that you can decide which one is right for you.
1. Project-based
With project-based virtual teams, each team is responsible for a specific project. The team may be permanently assigned to the project or formed specifically for a one-time project.
Advantages:
Virtual teams can draw from a larger pool of workers than traditional teams, making it easier to find the right mix of skills and experience.
Virtual teams can be quickly assembled and dismantled as needed, which is ideal for businesses that need to respond quickly to changes in the market or sudden increases in workload.
Virtual team members are not limited by geographic location, so businesses can tap into global talent pools.
This can make it easier to manage work and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Having a clear project scope can also help to motivate team members and keep them focused.
Disadvantages:
The lack of face-to-face interaction can make it difficult for team members to build trust and rapport with one another.
Miscommunication is more likely to occur when team members are not in the same place and cannot read each other’s body language.
It can be challenging to manage virtual teams effectively if team members are located in different time zones.
Project-based virtual teams can be quite inflexible. Once a team has been assigned to a project, it can be difficult to make changes. This can be a problem if the project scope changes or if team members are not working well together.
Task-based virtual teams are very flexible, as team members can be assigned to different tasks as needed.
Advantages:
This can be helpful if there are changes to the project scope or if some team members are not working out. It also allows team members to focus on their strengths and delegate tasks accordingly.
Disadvantages:
The main disadvantage of task-based virtual teams is that they can be less efficient than other types of teams. This is because team members may not have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. There can also be a lot of overlap between different tasks, which can lead to confusion.
Functional virtual teams are where team members are assigned to specific functions, such as marketing or engineering. These functions are vital for the organization, but there is no overlap or direct interaction between members of the different functional areas. In a functional team, each member has a specific set of skills and knowledge to contribute to the team’s success.
A product development team is an example of a functional virtual team. The members of this type of team are assigned to different parts of the product development process, such as research and design, testing, and manufacturing. They work together to complete the product development cycle, but they do not interact with each other on a daily basis.
Advantages:
This can be helpful if you need to deploy specialist skills or knowledge. It can also make it easier to manage work, as team members will have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
Disadvantages:
Functional virtual teams can be inflexible, as team members are limited to working on their assigned function. This can be a problem if the project scope changes or if team members are not working well together. It can also lead to a lack of collaboration, as team members may not have a clear understanding of the work being done by other team members.
Cross-functional virtual teams are where team members from different functional areas work together. For example, a team may have members from marketing, accounting, and human resources. The team members would work together to complete tasks or projects.
Virtual teams can be 100% remote or hybrid
Advantages:
This can be helpful if you need to deploy a range of skills and knowledge. It can also lead to greater collaboration, as team members will have a better understanding of the work being done by other team members.
Disadvantages:
The main disadvantage of cross-functional virtual teams is that they can be more difficult to manage. This is because team members may not have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. There can also be a lot of overlap between different functions, which can lead to confusion.
Global virtual teams are where team members are located in different parts of the world.
Advantages:
Increased diversity of skills and perspectives
Access to a global pool of talent
Reduced costs associated with travel and office space
Flexibility in terms of work hours and location
This can be helpful if you need to deploy specialist skills or knowledge. It can also lead to greater collaboration, as team members will have a better understanding of the work being done by other team members.
Disadvantages:
The main disadvantage of global virtual teams is that they can be more difficult to manage. This is because team members may not have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. There can also be a lot of cultural differences, which can lead to misunderstanding and conflict.
There are many different types of virtual teams, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we have explored 5 of the most common types. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the pros and cons of each type of virtual team so that you can decide which one is right for you.
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Whatever types of virtual teams you have, Global Team Building has an excellent selection of activities that can help you become more effective and give everyone a great time. Contact us today to learn more about our virtual team building services and activities.
Employee engagement is a critical topic for any organization, but especially for those who have a workforce that is largely or entirely remote. Engaged employees are more productive, more satisfied with their jobs, and more likely to stay with their employer.
There are many benefits to creating a virtual employee engagement plan. First, it can help to increase productivity by creating a more positive work environment. Second, it can help to improve employee satisfaction and retention rates. Third, it can help to create a more cohesive team environment. Finally, it can help to increase customer satisfaction levels.
Let’s look at some of the factors involved.
What is employee engagement?
The benefits of employee engagement.
How to create a virtual employee engagement plan.
Tips for engaging employees virtually.
The importance of measuring employee engagement.
How to troubleshoot virtual employee engagement issues.
Looking at each of these in more detail…
1. What is employee engagement?
Employee engagement is a term that is often used in the business world, but what does it actually mean? Basically, employee engagement refers to the level of commitment and connection that employees feel towards their workplace. When employees are engaged, they are more likely to be productive and to stick around for the long term.
There are many factors that can contribute to employee engagement, such as feeling like a valued member of the team, having a voice in decision-making, and feeling appreciated for good work. organizations that prioritize employee engagement tend to be more successful in retaining their talent and keeping morale high.
In today’s competitive marketplace, fostering employee engagement should be a top priority for any organization.
2. The benefits of employee engagement.
Contrary to popular belief, employee engagement is not simply a “feel-good” effort that has no real impact on the bottom line. In fact, engaged employees have been shown to be more productive, more innovative, and more likely to stay with their company. Additionally, companies with engaged employees tend to outperform those without engaged employees. Given these benefits, it’s clear that employee engagement should be a priority for any business.
A “feel good” factor helps people be more productive
There are a number of ways to increase employee engagement. One is to ensure that employees feel like they are a part of something larger than themselves. This can be done by clearly communicating the company’s vision and mission, and by giving employees opportunities to contribute to the company’s success. Additionally, employees need to feel like their work is meaningful and that their individual efforts make a difference. Finally, it’s important to create a work environment that is supportive and collaborative. When employees feel like they are part of a team and that their voices are heard, they are more likely to be engaged in their work.
Employee engagement is critical to the success of any business. By taking steps to increase employee engagement, businesses can reap the many benefits that come with an engaged workforce.
3. How to create a virtual employee engagement plan.
Employee engagement is a critical success factor for any organization. A recent study found that organizations with high levels of employee engagement are 2.5 times more likely to succeed than those with low levels of engagement. However, engaging employees can be a challenge, especially when they are working remotely. Fortunately, there are a few key things that you can do to create a virtual employee engagement plan.
First, make sure to keep communication open and regular. Hold regular video meetings, send out surveys, and encourage employees to give feedback. Second, create opportunities for social interaction by organizing virtual social events or company-wide challenges.
Finally, focus on individual employees and their unique needs and interests. By taking these steps, you can create an employee engagement plan that will help to keep your team motivated and engaged, even when they are working from home.
4. Tips for engaging employees virtually.
With more employees working remotely than ever before, it is important to find ways to keep them engaged and connected to the company. While it can be a challenge to create a sense of community when everyone is in different locations, there are a few things that managers can do to promote engagement.
First, try to maintain regular communication with employees. This can be done through weekly check-ins, company-wide updates, or even just casual conversations. Secondly, give employees opportunities to interact with each other, whether it’s through social media groups, virtual happy hours, or online forums.
Finally, make sure to recognize and reward employees for their hard work, both individually and as a team. By taking these steps, managers can help create a strong virtual community that keeps employees engaged and invested in their work.
5. The importance of measuring employee engagement.
Virtual employee engagement is a measure of how motivated and invested a remote employee is in their work. A highly engaged employee is more likely to be productive, have a positive attitude, and be committed to their company. Measuring employee engagement can be difficult, but it’s important for companies to understand how engaged their employees are.
There are a number of ways to measure employee engagement, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews. By taking the time to understand employee engagement, companies can create a more positive work environment and improve productivity.
6. How to troubleshoot virtual employee engagement issues.
Employee engagement is a critical issue for any organization, but it can be especially challenging to maintain high levels of engagement among virtual employees. Because they are not physically present in the office, it can be difficult to build team cohesion and create a sense of connection. Additionally, virtual employees may feel isolated and disconnected from their colleagues, which can lead to disengagement.
There are a few key strategies that organizations can use to troubleshoot virtual employee engagement issues. First, leaders should make a conscious effort to connect with each employee on a regular basis. This can be done through video conferencing, phone calls, or even just regular check-ins via email. Additionally, it is important to create opportunities for social interaction and collaboration among employees. This could take the form of online forums, virtual happy hours, or bringing employees together for occasional in-person events.
Finally, leaders should encourage employees to take advantage of creativity and brainstorming tools that can help them feel more engaged in their work. By taking these steps, organizations can ensure that virtual employees feel supported and connected, leading to higher levels of engagement and productivity.
Virtual employee engagement – conclusion
Employee engagement is a critical issue for any organization, but it can be especially challenging to maintain high levels of engagement among virtual employees. Leaders should make a conscious effort to connect with each employee on a regular basis and create opportunities for social interaction and collaboration among employees. Additionally, organizations should encourage employees to take advantage of creativity and brainstorming tools that can help them feel more engaged in their work. By taking these steps, organizations can ensure that virtual employees feel supported and connected, leading to higher levels of engagement and productivity.
The importance of virtual employee engagement cannot be understated. A lack of engagement leads to low productivity, high turnover, and a generally negative work environment. The first step to improving employee engagement is understanding what it is and how to measure it.
Once you have a good understanding of employee engagement, you can start to take steps to improve it. If you’re having trouble troubleshooting virtual employee engagement issues, there are a few key strategies that can help. By making a conscious effort to connect with employees, creating opportunities for social interaction and collaboration, and encouraging employees to use creativity and brainstorming tools, you can start to improve employee engagement in your organization.
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Global Team Building offers a variety of activities that can help promote virtual employee engagment. Our flexible VirtuWall platform is particularly well suited to delivering a tailored, effective structure that will deliver better team performance. Contact us today to learn more about our virtual enagemenet options.
Choosing the right virtual team building activity is crucial for the success of your remote or hybrid team. There are several factors to consider when making your decision. These include such as the size of your team, the location of your team members, and the type of activity.
It is also important to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to a team activity being less than successful. To help you choose the right activity for your team, here are 7 virtual team building pitfalls to avoid.
Pitfall #1: Getting too caught up in the planning process
One of the most common mistakes that team leaders make is spending too much time planning the activity. While it is important to have a plan for the activity, it is also important to be flexible. And to allow the team to adapt the activity to their needs and goals. If you spend too much time planning the activity, you may miss out on important input from team members. You may also not be able to adapt the activity to the team’s changing needs. Team building activities should be flexible and adaptable. Be sure to leave some room for the team to add their own creativity and input!
Just because you have a great idea for a team building activity does not mean that everyone on the team will automatically be on board with it. When you are choosing an activity, make sure to get input from all of the team members. Ask them what they think about the activity, and whether or not they would be interested in participating. If there is strong opposition to the idea, it may be best to choose a different activity.
Pitfall #2: Not considering the team’s goals and make-up
Another common mistake is not aligning the team building activity with the team’s goals. Every team has different goals. It is important to choose an activity that will help the team to achieve their goals. For example, if the team’s goal is to improve communication, you might want to choose an activity that involves problem solving or conflict resolution. If improveing morale is the focus, you really need to choose an activity that is fun and engaging for everyone. Whatever the team’s goals may be, be sure to choose an activity that will help them to achieve their objectives!
You might also want consider the team members’ personalities. Some personality types may prove to be bad fits for certain activities. For example, if the team is introverted, they may not enjoy an activity that is loud and interactive. Similarly, if the team is highly competitive, they may not enjoy an activity that is cooperative in nature. It is important to choose an activity that will be enjoyable for all members of the team. Be sure to consider their personalities when making your selection!
Pitfall #3: Not taking into account the team’s level of experience
When choosing a virtual team building activity, it is important to consider the team’s level of experience. If the team is new, choose an activity that is designed to help them get to know each other better. If the team has been working together for a while, choose an activity that is designed to challenge them. And to their processes as well. Regardless of the team’s level of experience, be sure to choose an activity that is appropriate for their needs!
Pitfall #4: Not making the activity engaging enough
One of the most common complaints about virtual team building activities is that they are not engaging enough. This is an indicator that the activity and the team are not the best of pairings. When choosing an activity, be sure to consider how you can use technology to make the activity more engaging.
Virtual activities need to be engaging for all
Our MiniScavenge activity encourages everyone to use their regular tools to collaborate as they enjoy the challenge it presents. There are many ways to use technology to make virtual team building activities more engaging. Be sure to explore all of your options!
Pitfall #5: Not having a clear objective
Another common mistake is not having a clear objective for the team building activity. Every activity should have a specific purpose or goal. It is important to make sure that the team understands what the objective is. With a clear objective, the team is more likely to be motivated and participate. Be sure to clearly communicate the objective of the activity to the team before starting. That way they can be sure to focus their efforts on achieving the desired result.
Pitfall #6: Not debriefing after the activity
It is also important to debrief with the team after the activity is complete. This is a great time to ask the team for feedback on the activity. And also to identify any areas that need improvement. The debrief is also a good time to celebrate the team’s accomplishments and to discuss what went well. By taking the time to debrief with the team, you can ensure that the team building activity is a success. More importantly, to help ensure that the team learns from the experience. All of our options include a proven debriefing process as part of the package.
Pitfall #7: Not following up after the activity
Finally, it is important to follow up with the team after the activity is complete. This is a good time to check in with the team to see how they are doing. You can also check if they have any further questions. It is also a good time to ask the team for feedback on the activity. You can use this to identify any areas that need further improvement.
Virtual team building pitfalls – conclusion
The above 7 pitfalls are by no means the only ones to avoid. However, avoid these 7 and your event is in with a very good chance of being a great success!
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Global Team Building offers a great variety of activities that can help you turn a virtual get-together into a successful online event. And we will offer all the guidance and help you need to maxmize your positive outcomes from the event. We’ll certainly help you avoid these virtual team building pitfalls! Contact us today to learn more about our virtual team building services and activities.
There are many reasons businesses should use Slack. Slack is a versatile tool that can be used for communication, collaboration, and productivity. Businesses can use Slack to improve communication between employees, increase collaboration, and boost productivity. Additionally, Slack is easy to use and has a variety of features that businesses can take advantage of.
Slack is an especially powerful communication tool for businesses with virtual, remote and hybrid teams. It can help them streamline their communication and boost team effectiveness.
It’s important to use Slack in the right way, so here are 10 tips for using Slack in your business:
Use private channels for sensitive information
Set up separate channels for different teams or departments
Use @mentions to get someone’s attention
Use the search function to find old messages
Use emoji reactions to show your reactions to a message
Use slash commands to quickly do things
Use the reminders function to set reminders for yourself or others
Use the teams function to easily switch between teams
Use the notifications function to customize your notifications
Use the help function to get help from Slack
1. Use private channels for sensitive information
If you’re sharing sensitive information on Slack, it’s best to do so in a private channel. That way, only the people who need to see the information will have access to it. You can create a private channel by clicking on the “+” sign next to “Channels” in the sidebar and then selecting “Create a Private Channel.”
BUT … don’t overuse it. Make sure that what you are sharing in private channels really is sensitive. and relevant to the recipient.
2. Set up separate channels for different teams or departments
If you have multiple teams or departments, you can set up separate channels for each one. That way, team members can easily communicate with each other without cluttering up the main channel. To set up a new channel, click on the “+” sign next to “Channels” in the sidebar and then select “Create a Channel.”
BUT … don’t create several channels before breakfast just because you can. Make sure that there is not an existing channel that could easily be used for whatever the subject area is that you’re looking at.
3. Use @mentions to get someone’s attention
If you need to get someone’s attention on Slack, you can use the @mention feature. Just type “@” followed by the person’s username to send them a notification. You can also use @mentions to create alerts for certain keywords. For example, you can set up an alert for the keyword “@urgent” so that you’ll be notified any time that word is used in a channel.
@mentions are great – but don’t overuse!
BUT … be careful to not overuse @mentions! People will likely be annoyed if their attention is constantly being sought by one person, especially if they view the subject matter to be of little importance to them. After a time, you’ll become treated like the boy who cried “wolf”. That is, you’ll likely be ignored even if what you have to say is important or urgent!
4. Use the search function to find old messages
If you need to find a specific message, you can use the search function. Just click on the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner of the screen and then enter the keywords you’re looking for. The search function will search through all of the channels you have access to, so make sure you narrow down the results by selecting a specific channel in the sidebar.
5. Use emoji reactions to show your reactions to a message
Emoji reactions are a great way to show your reaction to a message without having to type out a response. To add a reaction, click on the smiley face icon next to the message and then select the emoji you want to use. You can also hover over a message and click on the “React” button to see a list of emoji reactions.
BUT … remember everyone that has access to the channel can see your emoji reactions!
6. Use slash commands to quickly do things
Slack slash commands are a quick way to do things without having to type out a full command. For example, the “/away” command will set your status to “away” so that people know you’re not available. To see a list of all the available slash commands, type “/” into the message box and then select the “show all commands” option.
7. Use the reminders function to set reminders for yourself or others
The reminders function is a great way to set reminders for yourself or others. To set a reminder, type “/remind” into the message box and then enter the details of the reminder. You can also use the “/remind” command to set reminders for specific channels or groups.
8. Use the teams function to easily switch between teams
If you’re a member of multiple teams, you can use the teams function to easily switch between them. Just click on your profile picture in the top-left corner of the screen and then select the team you want to switch to. You can also use the “/switch” command to quickly switch between teams.
9. Use the notifications function to customize your notifications
The notifications function lets you customize how you receive notifications from Slack. To access the notifications settings, click on your profile picture in the top-left corner of the screen and then select “Preferences.” From there, you can select the “Notifications” tab to customize your notification settings.
10. Use the help function to get help from Slack
If you need help with Slack, you can use the help function to get started. To access the help function, click on the question mark icon in the top-right corner of the screen. You can also type “/help” into the message box to see a list of available help topics. It’s not a sign of weakness to seek help to do something quickly and effectively!
Using Slack with virtual teams – conclusion
Slack is a great way for businesses to improve communication and collaboration within the company. It can help employees stay on task and organized, and makes it easy to find and share information. Slack can also be used to connect with other applications and services, making it a versatile tool for businesses of all sizes.
It also integrates with a huge number of commonly adopted software tools. It’s the “glue” that hold them together. Perhaps we’ll write a sepaate article on this aspect of its powerful capabilities another day.
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Global Team Building offers a variety of team activities that can help promote the adoption of Slack within teams of all shapes and sizes. Contact us today to learn more about our virtual team development options.
In today’s business world, more and more companies are using virtual teams to get work done. A virtual team is a group of individuals who work together to achieve a common goal, but who are not in the same physical location. There are many benefits to using virtual teams, including increased flexibility, lower costs, and expanded geographical reach. However, one of the challenges of virtual teaming is building a positive team culture.
Without the benefit of face-to-face interaction, it can be difficult to build the trust and rapport that are necessary for a positive team culture. But it is not impossible. In this article, we will give you 5 tips for building a positive virtual team culture. In summary, they are:
Define your team’s purpose and values
Encourage transparency and communication
Promote collaboration
Show your team some love
Celebrate successes
Taking each of those in turn:
1. Define your team’s purpose and values
The first step to building a positive virtual team culture is to define your team’s purpose and values. This will help to ensure that everyone on the team is working towards the same goal and that everyone is aware of the team’s expectations. When defining your team’s purpose, it is important to be clear and concise. The purpose should be something that everyone on the team can rally behind and should be easy to remember.
Values are the guiding principles that will dictate how your team interacts with each other and with internal or external clients or customers. They should be values that everyone on the team can agree with and should be values that you are willing to enforce. If “purpose” is about what the team is trying to achieve, “values” define how the team will go about acheiving that purpose.
Some examples of values that you might want to consider for your team are:
respect
honesty
communication
collaboration
A clear combination of Purpose and Values will help every team member focus on what to do and how to do it
2. Encourage transparency and communication
Transparency and communication are essential for any team, but they are especially important for virtual teams. Without the benefit of face-to-face interactions, it can be easy for team members to feel disconnected from each other. Encouraging transparency means being open and honest with your team about what is going on, both good and bad. It also means being available to answer questions and address concerns. Communication is also important. In order to foster a positive virtual team culture, you need to make sure that everyone is on the same page. This means regular and clear communication, both within the team and with the people the team interacts with.
Some ways to encourage transparency and communication include:
Having regular team meetings, both virtual and in person
Encouraging team members to use video conferencing
That last bullet point, professional development, is important for any team. But it’s especially important for virtual teams. Because they are often working remotely, virtual team members can feel isolated and disconnected from the rest of the company. By encouraging professional development, you can help team members stay connected and engaged. Professional development can take many forms, but some ideas include online courses, webinars, and conferences.
3. Promote collaboration
In order to build a positive team culture, it is important to promote collaboration. This means creating opportunities for team members to work together on projects and to share ideas. When team members collaborate, they have the opportunity to learn from each other and to build the trust and rapport that are necessary for a positive team culture.
Another way to promote collaboration is to encourage healthy debate. This doesn’t mean that team members should try to one-up each other or argue for the sake of arguing. Instead, team members should feel comfortable sharing their honest opinions and perspectives. Healthy debate can help team members to think more critically about important issues and to come up with creative solutions.
4. Show your team some love
One of the best ways to build a positive team culture is to show your team some love. This means letting your team know that you appreciate them and that you are grateful for their hard work. There are many ways to show your team some love, but some of the most effective ways include:
Saying “thank you” often
Giving team members compliments
Recognizing team members for their achievements
Running a pure fun virtual social event – with no ulterior motive other than to let everyone enjoy the time!
A simple way to recognize team members is to write a handwritten thank you note to each one. You can also give them a small token of your appreciation, such as a gift card or a day off.
Another way to build a positive team culture is to give your team members opportunities to grow and development. This means providing them with training and development opportunities so they can learn new skills and improve their performance. It also means giving them opportunities to take on new challenges so they can stretch themselves and develop their abilities further.
5. Celebrate successes
Last but not least, it is important to celebrate successes. This will help to keep your team motivated and will show them that you are invested in their success. Some ways to celebrate success include:
Having a team celebration for milestones
Congratulating team members publicly
Rewarding team members for their achievements
Celebrating success is a great way to keep your team motivated. And nothing breeds success like success!
Virtual team culture – conclusion
The five suggestions above to achieve a positive virtual team culture are not exhaustive by any means. But they do represent five great elements for creating a team culture that will help the team become high performing.
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Global Team Building offers a variety of activities that can help promote communication and collaboration with remote teams. We can help you choose an activity that is relevant to your team’s goals and objectives. And we will provide clear guidelines and expectations to ensure that everyone gets the most out of the experience. Contact us today to learn more about our virtual team building services.
As the world increasingly moves towards a hybrid model of work, with more and more employees working remotely, the need for strong virtual team bonds is more important than ever. A virtual team is a team of individuals who work together online to achieve a common goal. A virtual team bond is an essential element in making it all work.
Building a strong bond within a virtual team can be challenging, as there are many factors that can contribute to a feeling of isolation and disconnection. However, there are a number of things that team members can do to build a stronger bond.
In this article, we will explore 18 ways to build a stronger virtual team bond. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what it takes to build a strong, cohesive team that can achieve success, even if they are not in the same physical location.
The 18 ways are:
Define your team’s purpose and values
Schedule regular check-ins
Get to know each other on a personal level
Encourage open communication
Celebrate successes together
Address concerns and deal with conflict immediately
Be transparent
Be respectful
Invest in team-building activities
Create a system of accountability
Encourage feedback
Promote a healthy work-life balance
Set clear expectations
Define roles and responsibilities
Delegate tasks and give ownership
Respect each other’s time
Build trust
Have fun!
Let’s delve into each of these in a bit more detail
1. Define your team’s purpose and values
One of the first things you need to do to build a strong virtual team bond is to define your team’s purpose and values. This will help to establish a common goal and set of expectations for team members. Without a clear purpose, it can be easy for team members to become disengaged and feel like they are not working towards something meaningful. Values are also important for virtual teams. These shared values will help to create a sense of unity and common purpose.
And, when team members know and respect each other’s values, it can help to create a more harmonious working relationship. It’s also important to create opportunities for team members to interact with each other on a personal level. This can be done through regular team meetings or social events. By creating these opportunities, team members can get to know each other on a more personal level and build trust. Additionally, it’s important to encourage team members to share their ideas and feedback openly. This will help to create a more collaborative environment and allow team members to learn from each other.
2. Schedule regular check-ins
Regular check-ins are essential for virtual teams. Without face-to-face interaction, it can be easy for team members to feel disconnected from each other. Check-ins give everyone a chance to catch up, share any concerns, and check-in on progress. At a minimum, virtual teams should have weekly check-ins. However, more frequent check-ins may be necessary depending on the team’s project timeline and deadlines.
3. Get to know each other on a personal level
In a virtual team, it is especially important to get to know each other on a personal level. When you know more about the people you are working with, it can help to create a feeling of trust and camaraderie. There are a number of ways to get to know your team members better, including virtual coffee dates, sharing personal stories, and playing online games together.
Don’t leva virtual coffee dates to chance – schedule regular ones. During these chats, you can catch up on personal news and get to know each other better. You can also use this time to discuss work-related topics, such as upcoming projects or goals.
Another way to get to know your team members is to share personal stories. This can be done through a dedicated chat channel or during virtual coffee dates. Sharing stories about your life outside of work can help create a stronger bond between team members.
Finally, playing online games together is a great way to have some fun and learn more about your team members. Games like Panic Grid are perfect for virtual teams, as they allow everyone to play together regardless of location.
4. Encourage open communication
Open communication is essential for virtual teams. Without open communication, team members can quickly start to feel isolated and disconnected. When team members feel like they can openly share their thoughts and ideas, it can help to create a feeling of trust and mutual respect.
There are a few key things that you can do to encourage open communication within your virtual team:
Make sure that everyone has a chance to be heard. Encourage team members to share their thoughts and ideas, even if they may differ from the majority.
Make it easy for team members to communicate with each other. Use video conferencing or chat tools to make it easy for team members to connect with each other.
Encourage team members to ask questions. If team members feel like they can freely ask questions, it will help to create an atmosphere of openness and learning.
Be available to answer questions. Make yourself available to answer any questions that team members may have. This will show them that you value their input and are willing to help them out when needed.
5. Celebrate successes together
Successes should be celebrated together, even if team members are not in the same physical location. This can help to create a sense of unity and common purpose. When team members feel like they are part of a winning team, it can help to increase motivation and engagement. When team members feel like they have a sense of ownership over their work, it can help to increase motivation and engagement.
6. Address concerns and deal with conflict immediately
Concerns and conflict should be addressed immediately before they have a chance to fester. When team members feel like their concerns are being heard and addressed, it can help to create a feeling of trust and mutual respect.
7. Be transparent
Transparency is important for virtual teams. When team members feel like they are being kept in the loop, it can help to create a feeling of trust. Team members should feel like they have access to the information they need to do their jobs effectively.
8. Be respectful
Respect is important for any team, but it’s especially important for virtual teams. If team members feel like they are being respected, they are more likely to trust and respect the leader. Virtual teams need to communicate effectively in order to be successful.
Respect needs to be earned – by leaders and team members alike
Team members should feel like they can openly communicate with each other and with the leader. Respect is definitely a key component in building a strong team bond.
9. Invest in team-building activities
Well you’d expect us to say that. It’s what we do! But that doen’t make it any less important! Team-building activities are a great way to bring virtual team members together and help them to get to know each other better. There are a number of different team-building activities that can be done virtually. Check ours out here.
One of the most important things that you can do to help your virtual team succeed is to encourage effective communication. Virtual team activities can really help make that happen. And at that same time build and strengthen your virtual team bond.
10. Create a system of accountability
A system of accountability is important for virtual teams. When team members feel like they are being held accountable for their work, it can help to increase motivation and engagement. A system of accountability can also help to prevent problems before they start, by catching issues early and addressing them.
Check-ins can certainly help with that. Another way to create a system of accountability is to use project management software. This software can help team leaders keep track of what everyone is working on and where they are in the process. This information can be used to identify any areas where someone is falling behind or having difficulty.
11. Encourage feedback
Feedback is important for virtual teams. When team members feel like they can openly share their thoughts and ideas, it can help to create a feeling of trust and mutual respect. Feedback also helps to improve the quality of work, by ensuring that team members are on the same page and working towards the same goal.
There are a few simple ways to encourage feedback in your team:
Create an open and safe environment for feedback. Make sure that team members feel comfortable sharing their opinions, and that they know that their input is valued.
Encourage team members to give feedback to each other on a regular basis. This will help to create a culture of feedback within the team.
Make use of tools and technologies that facilitate feedback. For example, you could use an online forum or chat tool to encourage team members to give feedback on each other’s work. You could also use project management software to track progress and give team members an opportunity to provide feedback on each other’s work.
Encourage constructive criticism. Feedback should be designed to help improve the quality of work, not to criticise or belittle team members. Make sure that team members understand the difference between constructive and destructive criticism, and encourage them to focus on the former.
Be responsive to feedback. Feedback is only useful if it is acted upon. Make sure that you listen to the feedback that you are given, reflect upon it and try to implement positive changes in response to it.
Be clear about your boundaries. If you’re not comfortable with something, don’t do it. It’s okay to say no.
Don’t be pushy or forceful. This can make people feel threatened or uncomfortable and will not lead to a good outcome for anyone.
12. Promote a healthy work-life balance
A healthy work-life balance is important for virtual teams. When team members feel like they have a good work-life balance, it can help to increase motivation and engagement. A healthy work-life balance also helps to prevent burnout, which can be a major issue for virtual teams.
There are a few ways to promote a healthy work-life balance for your team:
Encourage team members to take breaks during the day and step away from their computers.
Make sure team members have the opportunity to take vacation time and use it.
Don’t work too late into the evening or on weekends. This can send the message that you expect your team to do the same.
Be understanding if team members need to take time off for family or personal reasons.
Try to create a flexible work schedule that works for everyone on the team.
13. Set clear expectations
Clear expectations are important for virtual teams. When team members know what is expected of them, it can help to increase motivation and engagement. Clear expectations also help to prevent misunderstandings and conflict.
There are a few ways to set clear expectations for virtual teams:
Clearly state what the project is and what the team’s goals are.
Be clear about each team member’s roles and responsibilities.
Make sure that deadlines are realistic and that team members know when they are expected to complete tasks.
14. Define roles and responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities should be clearly defined for virtual teams. When team members know what is expected of them, it can help to increase motivation and engagement. Defining roles and responsibilities also helps to prevent misunderstandings and conflict.
When defining roles and responsibilities, it is important to consider the skills and expertise of each team member. For example, if a team member is good at writing, they could be responsible for creating content for the team’s website or blog. If another team member is good at graphic design, they could be responsible for creating visuals for the team’s presentations.
The roles and responsibilities of each team member should be communicated to the entire team. This can be done through a team-wide meeting or via a communication tool like Slack or email.
15. Delegate tasks and give ownership
Delegating tasks and giving ownership to team members is a great way to empower them and help them to feel like they are part of the team. When team members feel like they are valued and their contributions are appreciated, it can help to increase motivation and engagement.
Some things to keep in mind when delegating tasks and giving ownership:
Make sure that the task is something that the team member is capable of doing and feels comfortable with.
Clearly explain what is expected of the team member and provide any resources that they may need.
Set a deadline for the task to be completed.
Check in with the team member periodically to see how they are progressing and offer any help or guidance if needed.
16. Respect each other’s time
Respecting each other’s time is important for virtual teams. When team members feel like their time is being respected, it can help to create a feeling of trust. Respecting each other’s time also helps to prevent misunderstandings and conflict.
Make sure that team members are aware of each other’s schedules, and try to accommodate each other as much as possible. When scheduling meetings, be considerate of time zones and try to choose times that work for everyone.
17. Build trust
Trust is essential for virtual teams. When team members feel like they can trust each other, it can help to create a feeling of unity and common purpose. Trust also helps to prevent misunderstandings and conflict.
18. Have fun!
Having fun is an important part of virtual team building. When team members are enjoying themselves, it can help to create a feeling of unity and common purpose. And, when team members are having fun, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. Fun is a key part of building that virtual team bond.
There are many ways to ensure that team members have fun while they are working together. One way is to incorporate games and puzzles into the work. This can help to break up the monotony of day-to-day work and allow team members to interact with one another in a fun and relaxed setting.
Another way to keep team members motivated and engaged is to offer rewards for those who complete tasks or meet goals. This can be something as simple as a gift card or a free lunch. Whatever it is, offering rewards for a job well done can help to keep team members focused and excited about their work.
Finally, it is important to try to create a sense of community among team members. This can be done by hosting regular social events, such as happy hours or virtual game nights. These types of activities can help team members feel connected to one another and can provide an opportunity for them to relax and have fun outside of work.
Virtual team bond – conclusion
We hope that the above article proves useful to you in acheiving your own virtual team bond. We’re happy to chat through our experiences with virtual teams at any time. Please do contact us at any time. Or you can schedule a 15 minute discussion here. We look forward to hearing from you.
Leading a remote team can be a daunting task. In order to be successful, you need to be able to overcome the five biggest challenges faced by leaders of remote teams. They are:
Communication
Coordination
Culture
Clarity
Control
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Communication
Good communication is vital for any team, but it is especially important for remote teams. Leaders need to be able to clearly articulate their vision and objectives, and they need to be able to give instructions in a way that can be easily understood by team members. Additionally, leaders need to be available to answer questions and address concerns. One of the challenges of leading a remote team is that it can be difficult to build rapport. Leaders need to find ways to connect with their team members and create a sense of trust and camaraderie.
Another challenge is managing different time zones. Leaders need to be aware of the different time zones of their team members and adjust their communication accordingly. By being mindful of these challenges, leaders can effectively communicate with their remote teams and help them achieve success.
Coordination
Leaders play a critical role in any team, but this is especially true in remote teams. Because team members are not able to meet in person on a regular basis, it is even more important for leaders to be well-coordinated. There are a few key things that leaders can do to ensure that their remote teams are well-coordinated.
Good coordination across the team is crucial
First, they should establish clear communication channels and make sure that everyone on the team is aware of them. Second, they should establish clear goals and objectives for the team and make sure that everyone is working towards them. Finally, they should regularly check in with team members to ensure that everyone is on track. By taking these steps, leaders can ensure that their remote teams are well-coordinated and effective.
Culture
Every organization has its own culture, which is shaped by the values and beliefs of its leaders. In a remote team, where members are located in different parts of the world, it can be challenging to maintain a cohesive culture. However, leaders play an important role in setting the tone for their team. Through their words and actions, they can signal what is important to the organization and help to create a sense of belonging among team members.
In a remote team, leaders need to be especially intentional about cultivating culture. They should make an effort to connect with team members on a personal level and create opportunities for bonding. By creating a strong shared culture within their team, leaders can help to foster a sense of connection and belonging among team members.
Clarity
When leading a remote team, it is important to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the goals of the team. One way to do this is to have regular check-ins with team members, either individually or as a group. These check-ins can be used to discuss progress, address any concerns, and give feedback.
Another way to ensure clarity is to create clear and concise documentation. Such documents should outline the team’s goals, objectives, and expectations. It should also be easily accessible to all team members. By ensuring clarity, leaders of remote teams can help their teams to be more successful and productive.
Control
There is a common misconception that leaders of remote teams do not exercise control over their employees. This is simply not true. Leaders of remote teams have to be even more deliberate about exerting their control to ensure that their team is productive and effective. There are a few key ways that leaders of remote teams can exercise control.
First, they need to be clear about expectations and objectives. Second, they need to establish communication protocols and systems. And third, they need to create a culture of accountability. By being clear about expectations, communicating effectively, and creating a culture of accountability, leaders of remote teams can exercise the same level of control as leaders of traditional teams.
Leading a remote team – Conclusion
In recent years, more and more companies have adopted remote work policies. This shift has led to a new set of challenges for leaders, who must now learn to exercise control over teams that are not physically present. So how can leaders of remote teams effectively exercise control? The key to leading a remote team is to focus on the things that you can control, such as clear communication, setting goals and expectations, and establishing trust. By focusing on these things, you can create a successful remote team that is responsive and cohesive, even though its members are not in the same location.
Contact
We hope that this post has been useful to you. Global Team Building offers a variety of activities that can help promote good leadership within remote teams. We can help you choose an activity that is relevant to your leadership goals and objectives. And we will provide clear guidelines and expectations to ensure that everyone gets the most out of the experience. Contact us today to learn more about our remote team building services.
If you’re like most team leaders, you’re always looking for new ways to help your team bond and build trust. And what better way to do that than with a virtual team building activity? And what better way to start that process than with a team building guide?
Virtual team building is a great way to bring your remote or hybrid team together, no matter where they are in the world. Not only can it help teams bond and build trust, but it can also help them develop communication and collaboration skills. Plus, it’s a great way to promote creativity and problem-solving.
So if you’re looking for a way to help your team members get to know each other better and work together more effectively, consider a virtual team building activity. It could be just what your team needs to take things to the next level.
Here’s a 5 point team building guide to get you started:
The concept of virtual team building and its benefits
How virtual team building can help teams bond and build trust
How virtual team building can help teams develop communication and collaboration skills
How virtual team building can promote creativity and problem-solving
The importance of virtual team building for modern teams
The concept of virtual team building and its benefits
In today’s world, more and more companies are assembling completely virtual or hybrid teams. A virtual team is a group of employees who work together on a project without ever meeting in person. A hybrid team is one that has some people working in the same location and others remotely. While these types of arrangement have their challenges, they can also offer a number of benefits.
Virtual team building helps to promote collaboration and communication among employees. It can also increase flexibility and allow employees to work from anywhere in the world. In addition, virtual team building can help to reduce travel costs and time commitments. With an increasing number of remote and hybrid teams, virtual team building will likely become increasingly popular. For companies that are considering this option, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
How virtual team building can help teams bond and build trust
Teams with remote members find it more difficult for its members to bond and build trust than co-located teams. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to use virtual team building exercises to overcome these challenges. By taking the time to get to know each other outside of work, team members can build rapport and better understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. In addition, virtual team building activities can help teams learn how to communicate and collaborate more effectively. As a result, virtual team building can play an important role in helping remote teams bond and build trust.
It’s easier for co-located team members to bond
How virtual team building can help teams develop communication and collaboration skills
Working in a virtual environment can present some unique challenges for team members who are used to working together in person. Virtual activities can help to overcome these challenges by providing opportunities for team members to practice communication and collaboration skills using the same technology they use at work.
For example, exercises that involve tasks such as brainstorming ideas or solving problems can help team members learn how to effectively share information and work together towards a common goal.
Ultimately, virtual team building can help teams to become more cohesive and productive, even when they are working in a remote environment.
How virtual team building can promote creativity and problem-solving
In today’s workplace, it’s more important than ever to promote creativity and problem-solving. Another plus for virtual team building! they can help to break down barriers between team members, fostering creativity and collaboration. In addition, they can promote a sense of fun and camaraderie, which can make employees more likely to approach problems with a positive attitude.
Helping employees to better understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses and promoting a more effective working relationship is one of their key outcomes. Well considered team activities can help you develop an environment that is more creative, collaborative, and productive.
The importance of virtual team building for modern teams
It’s fair to say that virtual team building is essential for modern teams who want to work together successfully. While there are many different ways to approach virtual team building, some of the most popular methods include online quizzes and simple icebreaker games. But the best activities are more comprehensive than those simple examples. And more professional too! By taking the time to invest in professional virtual team building, businesses can create more cohesive and productive teams that are better equipped to handle the challenges of the modern workplace.
Conclusion
While virtual teams come with some challenges, there are many advantages to working in a virtual environment. Virtual team building can help to overcome some of the challenges by providing opportunities for team members to develop better communication and collaboration skills. In addition, virtual team building can promote creativity and problem-solving. It can also help employees better understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, virtual team building is essential for modern teams who want to work together successfully. By taking the time to invest in virtual team building, businesses can create more cohesive and productive teams that are better equipped to handle the challenges of the modern workplace.
Contact
We hope that this team building guide has been useful to you. Global Team Building offers a variety of activities that can help promote communication and collaboration with remote teams. We can help you choose an activity that is relevant to your team’s goals and objectives. And we will provide clear guidelines and expectations to ensure that everyone gets the most out of the experience. Contact us today to learn more about our virtual team building services.
There are plenty of reasons for using virtual team activities for the workplace. In a world where more and more employees are working remotely, it’s important to find ways to keep everyone connected and engaged. Virtual team building can help with that by fostering communication, cooperation, and creativity.
Plus, they can be great fun! Let’s look at this from 3 different but interrelated angles:
Their benefits
How to get the most out of them
Tips for planning successful virtual team events
Let’s explore each of these in more detail
Their benefits
You can’t afford to ignore the benefits of virtual team activities. They can help increase productivity and creativity. They can also improve communication with your employees. The practical upshot being you’ll be able to help your team achieve more and perform more effectively!
Some of the specific benefits of virtual team activities include:
Boosting productivity and creativity. When employees feel like they are part of a cohesive unit, they are more likely to be productive and creative. Virtual team activities can help promote this sense of unity and purpose.
Enhancing communication and collaboration. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for any team, and virtual team events can help to promote these skills.
Fostering bonding and camaraderie. One of the best things about good activities is that they help employees bond and build relationships with one another. This is particularly beneficial for remote teams who may not have as much opportunity to interact on a personal level.
Improving problem-solving skills. Virtual team events can also help to improve employees’ problem-solving skills. By working together to complete challenges, teams can learn how to better identify and solve problems.
Promoting a positive work/life balance. With the increasing focus on work/life balance, it’s important to find ways to promote a healthy balance for employees. Virtual team events can help by providing an outlet for stress and promoting a sense of fun and camaraderie.
Engage all and develop your team with virtual team activities
How to get the most out of them
Here’s a few things you can do to ensure that your virtual team gets the most out of team events:
Make sure the activity is relevant to your team’s goals and objectives. If the team building activity is not related to your team’s goals, it is unlikely to be effective. Make sure to choose an activity that will help your team to achieve its objectives.
Keep it simple. Don’t try to do too much with the activity. Keep it focused and concise so that everyone can easily understand and participate.
Make sure everyone is on board. Before you start the activity, make sure that everyone understands what is expected of them. Also ensure that they are comfortable with the level of participation expected.
Set clear guidelines and expectations. Once the activity is underway, make sure that everyone knows what the guidelines and expectations are. This will help to keep the activity focused and on track.
Follow up after the activity. After the activity is complete, follow up with your team to see how it went and to identify any areas for improvement.
Tips for planning successful virtual team events
If you’re thinking of incorporating activities into your team’s routine, here are a few tips to help you get started:
Define your goals and objectives. What do you want to achieve with the team building activity? What are your team’s goals and objectives? Keep these in mind when choosing an activity.
Choose an activity that is relevant and engaging. The activity should be something that is relevant to your team and its goals. It should also be something that everyone will find engaging.
Set clear guidelines and expectations. Make sure that everyone understands what is expected of them before you start the activity. This will help to keep the activity focused and on track.
Follow up after the activity. After the team building activity is complete, follow up with your team to see how it went. And, of course, to identify any areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Virtual team activities can be a great way to promote communication, collaboration, and bonding among employees. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your team gets the most out of the experience. These activities can help employees bond, build relationships, and improve their problem-solving skills while promoting a healthy work/life balance.
Contact
Global Team Building offers a variety of activities that can help promote communication and collaboration with remote teams. We can help you choose an activity that is relevant to your team’s goals and objectives. And we will provide clear guidelines and expectations to ensure that everyone gets the most out of the experience. Contact us today to learn more about our virtual team building services.
Most team building activities – virtual or in-person – are fundamentally competitive in nature. Why is that? Part of the reason is probably that it’s easier to create competitive activities than it is to create collaborative ones. Collaborative virtual team building activities are, we think, even rarer. Unless you check out our portfolio anyway!
It’s easier to create competitive ones because just about any activity can be competitive. If there’s a way of judging an action of some kind – of any kind – then a winner can be determined. Usually points are awarded, and they become the mechanism by which an action is judged. That might be for something as simple as a race of some kind. The winner can get 3 points, the person to come second gets 2 points and the person who comes third gets 1 point. Have enough races and the overall winner is the one with the most points in total.
Collaboration
For a collaborative virtual team building activity (or an in-person one for that matter), it becomes harder. The activity needs to reward people – and possibly teams – working together rather than independently. All of our options have that element within them for collaboration between team members in the same team. And two of them have that element between teams.
The first to mention is Frontier, which is a business-like simulation with a twist. The twist is that teams get to run a town set in the late 1800s of the American Old West. Team members agree on how to run their town. They need a strategy. They make financial and other decisions on how to raise funds, where to spend those funds and policies such as how to handle law enforcement. All of which they have to fine tune over time.
Frontier offers a fun way for managers to get to grips with metrics and multiple KPIs
The winning team is the one that does best as measured by an amalgam of 3 different KPIs. So, every town is out to beat the performance of every other town. But – importantly – their towns are grouped into regions. And each town’s performance is affected by how their region is performing as measured against other regions.
Collaboration is essential
It is this element that makes Frontier collaborative across teams. Teams need to collaborate with the other towns in their region. Helping one another to make better decisions. And, if it seems appropriate, helping one another out financially too.
An individual town that makes the best individual decisions cannot beat a town with a team making less good decisions that is working better within it region. Collaboration is key in Frontier! It is particularly good with groups of managers. It has a great focus on understanding metrics and how to use them to improve performance.
Collaborative virtual team building is fun
It’s not all numbers though! The simulation has plenty of fun things to do built in. One of these is a game to slide a glass of beer along a bar – without smashing it on the floor at the end!
Our other collaborative virtual team building activity is VirtuWall. We use its flexible platform and tailor it to suit a particular client requirement. We have a number of other blog posts that mention VirtuWall including this one. They are well worth a read.
