Stormin' and normin' for virtual teams

Fascinating post in Leading Virtually about what challenges emerge at each stage of a virtual teaming process.  Covers reality check, launch, norming, process optimization, and adjourning.  Good read.

Comments

[Esther Quintero-Guzman]

As we read in the article of Thomas L. Friedman, the world is living the era of “flatism”, whether we like it or not, we can’t deny that the world is living a rapid economic globalization and the international virtual teams is not just a way of business collaboration, it is a necessity in any international corporation. It is true that we have the infrastructure of communications and the software to manage this collaboration; however, I believe that the main problem of managing virtual teams, is personal communications. Some experts in human communications, have shown that it is necessary the development of other institutional practices to create the adequate environment of trust, engagement and commitment essential in any team work, and more significantly in virtual teams. Although this class is namely focused on the various technical resources for virtual collaboration, I think it would be interesting to analyze the social implications of virtual teams and how this can make or break any International Business.

[Jen Mezger]

Although slightly different, it was interesting to see how the issues faced by virtual teams overlap with those that are faced by non-virtual teams. It makes sense - teams have certain dynamics which make it difficult to work and innovate together. Regardless of whether the team meets in the same room or virtually, those dynamics will cause certain issues to surface. That does not mean that the virtual aspect does not compound the issue. I would assume this means that similar tatcics can be used, at least at a high-level, to develop the team's community.

[Mario Montoya]

I agree I think there are definitely some similarities in the issues facing virtual and face-to-face teams. The article does a good job of outlining some of the key issues that are sometimes encounter, I have seen and run into some of these at my company. I think establishing trust is going to be present regardless of the team environment, but do notice how it can be slightly more difficult in a virtual environment. We lived through this at my job, we work closely with staff at our London office and have noticed at after having some face-to-face time with those individuals we work better virtually and in person. So maybe we have to look at some of the recommendations made in this article.

[Mike Nawrocki]

I would say that first step is the most important to lead successful virtual teams and the biggest issue might be choosing the right team members for this kind of a project.
First of all it needs to be prepared and the right technologies/software must be chosen if not already established by the corporation.
Managers need to be very careful in selecting team members who should have certain skills. People who tend to complain a lot will not be satisfied with the form of the meetings and might hurt the teams performance. People who tend to work from home a lot might not be a good fit for virtual teams because they might not have access to all the required resources from their home.

I believe that if the planning, organization, and technical aspects are taken care of before virtual projects start there is a better chance of actually fininshing the project in virtual team environment.

[Justus Karban]

One of the major issues of working in a group/team is the chemistry of the individuals within the group. This is sometimes more difficult to develop when the group is virtual and does not see each other on a regular bases. That is not to say that the chemistry won't develop over time and in some cases may develop quicker than a non-virtual group/team. That is why the way groups/teams interact as individuals is so important. Because if you generally like someone you have an easier time working with and for them.

[Darius]

This would have been helpful to read before the first group team meeting. While some of the information seems to be logical, it brings it all to the surface when you are in the first stages of teamwork. It reminds you what to expect and how to avoid potential conflicts.

[jk]

This article helped me understand the subject of Collaborative Virtual teams. Through the different phases of the team building and working. Which gives a framework then gives possible solutions to common problems helps me in seeing the several angles needed to solve these issues. The frame laid out is simple but I believe can be very useful.

[Z]

This is indeed a good read. It demonstrates well-known challenges for virtual collaboration and provides solution. This is helpful for newbie in this field.