Choosing the Right Technology for Your Virtual Team or Virtual Office [VIDEO]

A question I’m asked by many entrepreneurs, small business owners, and virtual team managers is  . . . “With all the technology available how do I know which tools are best for my virtual team or virtual office?” This is a common challenge and choosing the wrong tools (or too many tools) is a common pitfall of virtual teamwork.  It’s important to decide on a core set of tools to support remote collaboration and make sure everyone on your team knows how to use them.

But how do you choose? I have devised a workflow analysis we call the ICC Approach as it looks at your needs in 3 key areas – Information, Communication, and Collaboration.  In this short video I walk you through this analysis and help provide questions to guide your thinking when evaluating mobile work technology.

Give it a view and share your comments below to let me know your thoughts and experiences!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (18.9MB)

Virtual Workforce: Managing Remote Employees – BusinessWeek

Virtual Workforce: Managing Remote Employees – BusinessWeek.

I came across this collection of special reports on Businessweek.com all relating to aspects of ‘Managing the Virtual Workforce’.  Here is a brief description of the reports included:

• Is There a Virtual Worker Personality?
  It turns out it’s the gregarious types who thrive in virtual work set-ups, since they connect nonetheless. It’s the shy types who feel isolated
• Managing Virtually: First, Get Dressed
  An Ernst & Young executive who has been managing teams virtually for a decade shares her tips and caveats
• A Smart Balance of Staff and Contractors
  How the fast-growing food company integrates its small permanent staff with a sizable contractor workforce
• How to Create E-Mails That Generate Action
  When face-to-face communication isn’t an option, it’s critical that your e-mails get read and are the impetus for getting things done
• Video: Managing in a Wired World
  Technology has made it possible for teams across the globe to collaborate, but it’s still critical to make communication as human and authentic as possible, advises Lorenca Rosal
• Slide Show: Top 10 Tips for Sending E-Mail
  How to write e-mails that grab attention and motivate people to respond and take action

The Core Challenges of Managing Virtual Teams

Management at Work » Managing virtual teams.

I came across this article by Karen McHenry; consultant, writer, and professor, which I feel clearly and succinctly describes the core challenges of managing virtual teams – and what new skills are required for managers who are accostomed to leading co-located teams.

Ms. McHenry states:

When organizations elect to create virtual teams, they focus on the potential advantages, such as the diversity of the team, or the potential for “round the clock” productivity with employees working in multiple time zones. However, companies must also be aware of the challenges that accompany virtual teams. For these groups to be successful, managers cannot use the old rules of leadership. New ways of working require different skills.

While I agree with this statement I believe that most of the adjustments required are small changes to team interaction or management style; and many ultimately amount to being more deliberate about process and workflow. Some of them are simply good, fundamental management skills that get overlooked when team members see each other regularly. So I think it’s important to note that while new skills and workstyle changes are required to be successful, distributed teamwork does not require a whole new way of working.

Have a look at McHenry’s article and see if you agree that much of what she suggests would be good practices regardless of the structure of your team or where members are located.

Join me for the Flexible Work Summit: A free virtual event

I want to invite you to join me and 9 other experts as we reveal how to revolutionize your business by harnessing the power of workplace flexibility. Flexibility is a proven business strategy, not a passing fad. In this free virtual seminar series you will learn the insider secrets of increasing flexibility, productivity, and success! Sign up for your free pass now: FlexibleWorkSummit.com.

Dr. Ashley Acker, of Workstyledesign.com, will be the host and emcee for this exciting event. On 4 consecutive days she will be interviewing a group of experts sharing techniques for increasing the flexibility of how, when, and where you work. You can participate in these FOUR 75-MINUTE TELESEMINARS for FREE.

I’ll be interviewed on Tuesday, May 12th to discuss How Small Changes Lead to Big Results in The Anywhere Office. I’ll be sharing best practices for successfully managing virtual teams.

Here’s an overview of the 4 sessions:

Strategies for Stretching WHEN You Work | Monday, May 11th, 2pm CST

• How to create a competitive edge in your business by harnessing work-life integration.
• Why work-life fit is more important than work-life balance.
• How workplace flexibility isn’t just about mommies (Secret: it’s actually a cross-generational and gender-neutral issue).

Read more

Useful Links – “Follow me on Twitter” Edition

The buzz about Twitter has been steadily growing over the past few months so I’m sure you have heard something about it. I’ve recently begun using it and am discovering it is a wonderful way to communicate, network, find useful resources, get questions answered, and connect with other like minded people.

If you’re on Twitter – I invite you to follow me – http://twitter.com/philmontero. I will be sharing lots of ideas, resources, and links much like I do on this blog. Its also gives you a chance to pick my brain and ask your most pressing question about virtual teams, mobile work technology, or remote collaboration.

Now on with the links . . .

OPM announces new governmentwide telework policy: Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry on Wednesday announced a broad new telework plan for employees, in part to deal with growing concern over the spread of swine flu in the United States. Why does it always take something this serious for people to think about the benefits of telework?

Effective Communication for Managing Virtual Office Employees: This article from Entrepreneur.com shares helpful strategies and software to better manage employees from afar.

5 Things You’ll Miss by Not Working In An Office: While there is no shortage of things you won’t miss about the office when telecommuting you may be surprised to find there are a few things you long for. The good news is, once you know what you’re missing, you can find ways to enjoy those same benefits while working remotely.

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