In a session with a client this week, we explored the pitfalls and opportunities of creating a more engaged and inclusive virtual team environment by understanding generational differences. The focus of the discussion was how the team could maximize the strengths of the different generations in order to improve their project management skills, team collaboration, communication and engagement.<\/p>\n
The client group we were working with is highly specialized, made up of employees with deep expertise and spread out across the province.\u00a0 They need to be able to respond quickly and efficiently to a crisis and to deploy resources immediately. Working in a virtual environment can be challenging since it requires that we spend more time communicating, building trust and connecting than perhaps if we were in a cubical next to our colleagues. This means that when a high pressure situation arises, the team will need to\u00a0be as high performing as possible.<\/p>\n
What we know from the research – and have written about in our book Upgrade Now: 9 Advanced Leadership Skills<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>– is that when working in a virtual environment, employees require a team that demonstrates:<\/p>\n These factors form the basis of a strong team and must be present if projects are going to be completed on time, on budget and exceeding client expectations.<\/p>\n In addition, support tools must be provided\u00a0 to virtual team members through:<\/p>\n While all of these elements are important regardless of if you are working virtually or on-site, they become more important when working across time zones, multiple locations and without face-to-face direction from leaders.<\/p>\n Team collaboration can be improved in a virtual team environment by taking a generational approach to:<\/p>\n Project Management:<\/strong><\/p>\n When leading a project, it\u2019s important to think about how generational differences and strengths can impact the project.\u00a0 At the concept phase, it\u2019s important to identify who will be engaged in the project, what skills they possess and the role each team member will play.\u00a0 By asking colleagues and employees how<\/em><\/strong> they want to contribute, team engagement can be improved because employees can self-select the role they play.\u00a0 In addition, colleagues may share insights on skills and knowledge that we didn\u2019t know existed on the team.<\/p>\n Communication:<\/strong><\/p>\n Identify what tools the team will use to stay connected and how frequently communication will occur.\u00a0 Each generation has preferred key messages, mediums and follow up expectations.\u00a0 Understanding what those needs are becomes increasingly important when working virtually.\u00a0 We coach our clients to leverage live, interactive technology (chat, video, group brainstorming tools, etc.) as much as possible to simulate a face to face environment.\u00a0 Technology today, even on a smart phone, can help employees\u00a0 quickly connect \u201cface-to-face\u201d and improve communication by providing body language and tone, which is lost through emails, text and chat mechanisms.<\/p>\n Leadership:<\/strong><\/p>\n Leaders who manage virtual teams must spend more time being accessible, creating a fun and casual environment and providing timely feedback.\u00a0 If a Gen X leader is managing Baby Boomers, they need to be aware of how to adjust their leadership style to ensure that they engaging their more experienced employees. They also need to consider the ways they can mimic a \u2018face-to-face\u2019 relationship in a virtual way.<\/p>\n For example, the leader can carve out time at the beginning of each team conference call to touch base with team members on what is happening in their lives outside of the office.\u00a0 This would be done naturally in the lunch room, conference room or water cooler, so it\u2019s important to provide a way for everyone to connect informally before diving into business.\u00a0 Gen Ys will also expect their leader to provide regular, on-going feedback which may require a leader to text employees short, quick messages with positive feedback and recognition.<\/p>\n By understanding the unique needs of virtual teams and integrating a generational perspective to leading, managing projects and communicating, team collaboration can be improved.\u00a0 As we connect through technology more and more, understanding how to build trust, be flexible and provide support to our colleagues will be required in order to have high performing and engaged teams.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" An Engaged & Inclusive Virtual Team In a session with a client this week, we explored the pitfalls and opportunities of creating a more engaged and inclusive virtual team environment by understanding generational differences. The focus of the discussion was … Continue reading \n
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Taking a Generational Approach<\/h3>\n