Tips For Working With A Virtual Team

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If we treat our virtual team as simply remote VA support – then that’s all they will be… that’s all they will contribute – virtual support.  They won’t be invested in your company, your vision and what you are trying to achieve.  There are a few things you can do to make sure your virtual team feels included and wants to contribute positively to the business through the work that they are doing for you…

My top tips:

1. Communicate regularly

In the past, a monthly meeting would be enough to keep everyone connected. But now, with many businesses using virtual teams, we need to check in more regularly and have that communication on a weekly or even daily basis. This keeps team members connected, up to date, and accountable for their role within the business.

You can check in on the phone, through an online meeting (Zoom, Skype, Go-To, etc.), texting and chat apps (Slack, WeChat, Tango, FB Messenger, etc.), your task management system (Podio, Asana, Monday, Wrike, etc.) – just make sure you’re checking in regularly.

2. Training

Setting up regular training sessions with your virtual team is critical. This is the opportunity to help them with the areas they are struggling with.  You will be able to identify their strengths and help them grow. You will also see where they struggle and what training they may need.

3. Develop an inclusive culture

Your virtual team members don’t just want to be out there carrying on with tasks and responding to emails. Make them feel a part of your team. Include them in meetings and chat sessions, and invite them to drop into the office if possible once a month to have a face-to-face catch-up.

Whatever works for you, but remember they are a part of your team – even if they work remotely.

4. Take time to understand their culture

This is especially important when your virtual team members are located in another country, which is increasingly popular with technology, making it very easy to work with people based abroad.  Be aware of the differences between where you live and where your virtual team is located – make time to learn and understand the cultural norms of that country.

I said three but you’ve got 4….

  1. Communicate regularly
  2. Training – scheduled and regular
  3. Create an inclusive culture
  4. Take time to understand cultural differences.

So those are my top tips – I hope that you put them into action with your virtual team.