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Alumni in Action

Alumni Webinar Series: Best Practices for Leading Virtual Teams

By Alumni Relations

June 4, 2020

Due to COVID-19, leaders across the globe have been tasked with leading their teams in the absence of face-to-face interactions. During this webinar, Lee Johnson breaks down how to succeed through five best practices for leaders managing virtual teams.

  1. Leverage Technology
    The best thing to do when it comes to technology, is to keep it simple. The main reason technology is underutilized is because people aren’t skilled in using it. Choose a few tools and use them constantly. Routinely practice using the tools to build confidence in your team.
  2. Team Operating Agreement (TOA)
    A TOA is a written document created by its members that defines the team’s purpose, goals, and results. It includes agreements for handling work procedures, communication protocols, and methodologies. This will help your team know the ins and outs of working remotely, and reduce challenges as they occur.
  3. Streamline Process and Procedures
    Going virtual is an ideal time to streamline your work processes. Involve your team members in evaluating the way you get work done as a team. Look for duplication of efforts, find ways to leverage technology, and always test before fully implementing new procedures.
  4. Establish Performance Indicators
    It’s important to talk to your team members about expectations while they’re working from home. A common concern from team members is not being recognized for the work they are accomplishing while working at home. A team member dashboard can help team members and leaders identify, track, and access lead and lag indicators.
  5. Plan team meetings that engage, build trust, and solve problems
    Lee suggests five tips to host a perfect virtual meeting.

1. Plan your agenda and what technology needs to be utilized
2. Make time to connect socially
3. Leverage tech to engage (polls, chats, emojis)
4. Share meeting responsibilities
5. Follow up to verify understanding


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