How To Build High-Performing Virtual Teams In 5 Steps
As the world becomes increasingly connected, it's becoming less and less necessary for teams to work in the same physical location. This means that virtual teams are becoming more common, which makes understanding how to manage them all the more critical.
However, building successful virtual teams isn't always easy — and it can prove especially challenging when you're trying to foster trust and collaboration between people who aren't physically present at meetings or on conference calls together every day like they would be if everyone were located within close proximity of each other at traditional brick-and-mortar offices.
Fortunately, there are many ways to get started. In this article, we'll walk through how to build high-performing virtual teams in 5 steps:
Step 1: Find Ways to Connect
Building rapport between team members is challenging in a remote setting where members do not physically interact with one another. However, that does not make it impossible.
The key is not to underestimate the power of communication but to find ways to connect by leveraging modern technology. Some options include:
Using video conferencing software like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet for virtual meetings. You can schedule regular one-on-one calls or meetings so that each person can get to know the other better.
You can also set up a shared workspace where team members can post updates on their status and any resources they've created that might be helpful for others on the team. Work management platforms like Asana, Slack, Basecamp, and Trello can all help keep everyone on the same page. These tools allow you to share information, post updates and collaborate more easily.
Using a messaging app like Viber, Telegram, or Messenger to give team members quick access to the team's information and updates and provide quick answers to any questions or concerns that arise. This is especially useful for remote teams that have members spread across the globe.
Creating an online community where team members can share ideas and resources, participate in discussions, and ask questions of each other. Facebook Groups remain a popular choice for many businesses (though it might be less popular amongst Gen Zs), but you can also utilise other platforms that are relevant to their generation.
Every team is different. The way one team works can differ from another entirely. If you're a team leader or manager, you should experiment with different tools to see which works best for your team. Try a combination of tools to see if they fit the needs and working style of your team. It's important to remember that using these tools is not just to communicate with team members but also to build a community where they can work together.
Step 2: Provide the Right Equipment
Teams who work virtually, or in a hybrid format, need high-quality and reliable equipment to maintain a smooth and uninterrupted workflow. As the nature of work has shifted, so too have the tools and equipment that employees need for remote working. To build high-performing virtual teams, you must give them access to the right technology and equipment. Yes, this might include budgeting for an upgrade of your computers, software, or even the internet connection.
Having access to necessary hardware and software helps virtual team members stay connected, collaborate effectively, and be productive in their roles — no matter where they’re located geographically. It takes employers to understand their needs and equip them with the right resources in order for virtual teams to flourish.
Step 3: Create a Shared Vision & Purpose
Creating a shared vision and purpose is an important part of building strong virtual teams. When team members are working remotely, it can be difficult to align goals and keep everyone motivated. Having a clear shared vision and purpose helps virtual teams focus on the big picture and stay engaged. Developing a shared vision involves getting the entire team involved in setting clear expectations for the project at hand. This includes both long-term objectives as well as short-term goals that should be broken down into achievable milestones. The idea is to get everyone on board with what they’re striving for, giving them an understanding of how their individual efforts contribute to the collective effort. It also helps create accountability among group members so that everyone is doing their part to reach the same goal.
Remote or not, a sense of purpose is essential when it comes to forming successful remote teams. When employees know where the organization is going and what role they play in getting it there, commitment and excellence in their work will follow suit.
Step 4: Celebrate Accomplishments
High performance is fueled by acknowledgement. When a team member accomplishes something significant, it's important to celebrate their accomplishment. Celebrating accomplishments shows your appreciation for the efforts of your employees and encourages them to continue working hard.
You can also celebrate accomplishments by taking the time to recognize their achievement during your virtual check-in meeting with the entire team present. This will allow your team members to recognise each other in a way that's more personal than just sending out an email.
You can also celebrate their accomplishments by taking photos of team members and posting them on social media (or your relevant company platforms) or awarding small tokens of appreciation. Genuine appreciation can go a long way toward boosting employee and team morale.
Step 5: Invest in Virtual Team-Building
Employers should not underestimate the power of virtual team-building sessions in helping to foster cohesiveness in teams and building strong team dynamics — all of which sets teams up to be high-performing. Some employers might operate under the preconceived notion that virtual team-building sessions might be less interactive or have less engagement compared to in-person ones.
However, when the right corporate team-building partner is chosen, these sessions can be pivotal in changing the tide of the dynamics of a team. When executed well, virtual team-building sessions have become an essential part of creating solid and effective remote teams. Investing in these sessions can provide a number of benefits for both employees and employers alike. For starters, it can help create better working relationships between members who rarely see each other face-to-face. Additionally, these activities can also increase the overall morale of the team by fostering a sense of collaboration and camaraderie amongst its members.
Final Thoughts
Building high-performing virtual or hybrid teams does not happen overnight and is by no means an easy feat. That said, with the right strategy and execution, your chosen team-building partner can be the gamechanger in helping you be well on your way towards building a team that can work together effectively, no matter where they are.
Written by Rachel Chai
Connectedness • Empathy • Strategic • Belief • Context
Rachel is a Strengths School™ Certified Strengths Trainer and the Content Lead at Strengths School™. Being deeply introspective, she believes in helping others draw connections between how their unique strengths play out in their lives.
