Virtual Teams
1. As a manager of a virtual team, what team characteristics would you be especially concerned about so that the team’s work would be exceptional?
As a manager of a virtual team I believe that it is extremely important to understand what key characteristics are needed in order for the team to flourish and excel. The ability to openly communicate, Understand cultural differences as well as overall knowledge of technology are some of the fundamentals I would be most concerned about. Communication is the major key to a prosperous team/group. If a team leader and/or group member has trouble with openly communicating with others, it will be impossible for team rules and regulations to be established. It is crucial for a virtual team to cohesively establish team deadlines, meetings in addition to a clear understanding of each individual task and responsibility. Along with communication, virtual teams must respect and accept cultural differences. According to Understanding Cultural Differences: Germans, French, and Americans (Intercultural Press: Yarmouth, ME; 1987) “Team members should learn how to interpret verbal and nonverbal communication styles and cultural backgrounds of teammates and how to respond effectively to these unique cues”. Acknowledgement and respect of cultural diversity reduces the chances of cultural crashes and miscommunication. Lastly as a virtual team member being proficient in basic technological platforms such as smartphones, laptops, texting, videoconferencing etc. is an absolute must. Without a basic foundation in this technology, effective communication between team members/managers may be disastrous.
2. Think back to a time when you knew a manager, coach, or teacher/professor who was an exceptionally good communicator. Why was this person so effective at communication? Describe.
Throughout my matriculation of obtaining my undergraduate degree, I had the pleasure of meeting very influential professors. One professor that changed my life
As a manager of a virtual team I believe that it is extremely important to understand what key characteristics are needed in order for the team to flourish and excel. The ability to openly communicate, Understand cultural differences as well as overall knowledge of technology are some of the fundamentals I would be most concerned about. Communication is the major key to a prosperous team/group. If a team leader and/or group member has trouble with openly communicating with others, it will be impossible for team rules and regulations to be established. It is crucial for a virtual team to cohesively establish team deadlines, meetings in addition to a clear understanding of each individual task and responsibility. Along with communication, virtual teams must respect and accept cultural differences. According to Understanding Cultural Differences: Germans, French, and Americans (Intercultural Press: Yarmouth, ME; 1987) “Team members should learn how to interpret verbal and nonverbal communication styles and cultural backgrounds of teammates and how to respond effectively to these unique cues”. Acknowledgement and respect of cultural diversity reduces the chances of cultural crashes and miscommunication. Lastly as a virtual team member being proficient in basic technological platforms such as smartphones, laptops, texting, videoconferencing etc. is an absolute must. Without a basic foundation in this technology, effective communication between team members/managers may be disastrous.
2. Think back to a time when you knew a manager, coach, or teacher/professor who was an exceptionally good communicator. Why was this person so effective at communication? Describe.
Throughout my matriculation of obtaining my undergraduate degree, I had the pleasure of meeting very influential professors. One professor that changed my life
References: Gibson, J.L., Ivancevich, J. M., Donnelly, J.H., & Konopaske, R. (2012). Organizations: Behavior, Structure, Processes (14th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Intercultural Press:Yarmouth, ME; (1987) Understanding Cultural Differences: Germans, French, and Americans.