Overview

The term “Distributed Teams” refers to teams comprised of members working remotely or physically apart from each other and others who may be co-located; yet, all still have a responsibility to communicate and coordinate their work with their co-workers.

Distributed teams are part of the changing way organizations and corporations are delivering services today. This is partly in response to the immediate need to work remotely due to COVID-19 but also because changing technology is enhancing mobility and efficiency more than ever, even as many roles are fixed to a location. The challenges inherent in leading distributed teams have added complexity to foundational team leadership and team membership principles of cooperation and performance management. Teams still deal with the usual workload and in addition may face significant communication, motivational, and organizational issues. In this changing context, leaders need to ensure excellent service is being delivered by supporting diversely located team members to work effectively together.

During this half-day virtual workshop, leaders will examine the communication and team-building issues of effective distributed teams and explore strategies, tools, and techniques to meet implement and support them. Participants leave with new tools for their toolkit, so they are ready to facilitate immediate implementation of lessons learned with their team members.

Objectives & Outcomes

Participants will:

• Identify the challenges and the benefits of leading and working in distributed teams;
• Recognize the impacts of the change curve as teams move away from a traditional model.
• Implement communication, accountability and connection practices to support team success.
• Describe interventions for teams to maximize their effectiveness.
• Facilitate the process of team agreements to build team culture.
• Use appropriate team building techniques to increase motivation and team engagement.

Who Should Participate?

This course is appropriate for individuals who are:

• Leading or about to lead a team across geographical boundaries.
• Considering implementing virtual teams in their organization and would like to be prepared for the advantages and disadvantages of such team structures.

Content Outline

PART ONE:

Introduction

• Defining the types of teams
• Identifying the impacts of changing to remote work
• Indicators of Effective Team Leadership and Team Membership
• Identifying and Supporting High Performing Teams

Forming the Virtual Team

• Building Blocks to Team Success
• Team Purpose, Goals, Objectives
• Developing Team Agreements & Processes
• Leveraging Technologies

PART TWO:

Leading Virtual Teams

• Challenges of Remote Work
• Key Skills for Remote Work
• Leadership Practices for Virtual Team Success: Communication, Accountability, Connection
• Supporting Clear Communication
• Monitoring Performance: Team & Individual
• Maintaining Engagement & Connection