This list may seem overwhelming at first glance but remember the end result is a smoothly running team that will accomplish it's goals and get the job done.
Selection Process:
- Get to know the people as best you can. Use email, phone interviews and even video conferencing to get a better feel for them.
- Check work references and employment history.
- Has this person worked as part of a virtual team before? Was it successful? If it was not successful - why? Why does this person think a previous virtual team experience succeeded or failed?
- Does the person take responsibility seriously? Does it appear they tend to blame others quickly and for things they should have been responsible for?
- What is their level of commitment? Are they interested in short or long term involvements?
- What is their motivation for being part of a virtual team? Try to gain an understanding of what is motivating them. How independent are they?
- Are they a Leader or Follower?
Team Activities & Monitoring:
- Identify team leaders. Make provisions for alternates in advance.
- What will be the methods of communication used and the frequency of meetings?
- Require regular updates from all team members. This is the best way to ensure you get a complete picture of activities.
- During regularly scheduled meetings use this time to discuss the negative and positive.
- At the first indication of a problem - take action! This action may be in the form of direct intervention with the members involved or letting the entire team know that you are aware of what is happening and that it will be resolved.
- Most importantly - don't distance yourself from team members. Be available to them, this will increase the trust they have in you and let's you show them that you respect them.
Managing mobile workers isn't as difficult as most would think and if managers create a plan and stick to that plan - virtual teams will succeed.