Technology is changing who we hire, how we work together, and the ways we manage our teams. Widespread and fast connectivity, online collaboration tools, cloud-based software, and mobile devices are all components of this new employment ecosystem.
If you’re considering putting together a virtual team (see the guide for a complete definition), who should you hire? And once your team is in place, what management best practices and techniques will enable your team to hum like a well-oiled machine?
In our new guide “How to Successfully Build and Manage a Virtual Team,” we examine the benefits and key considerations of hiring and managing virtual teams in today’s technology-supported environment.
Check out these important questions, and the seven must-haves for a great virtual/remote employee.
When thinking about going virtual, some questions worth considering are:
Is there a compelling reason my team needs to be in the same room on a daily basis?
For the support my team provides, what tasks are best accomplished in the office and which can be done from home?
What tools will my team need in order to be able to provide remote support?
How can I leverage my teams varying schedules and locations to offer better support?
Am I someone who can manage people I dont see face to face on a regular basis?
Working remotely is not for everyone, but under the right circumstances, if well managed, a virtual team may be capable of running itselfand may also be the answer to the organizations support challenges.
In addition to the base-level soft skills and technical knowledge required for the support role, the ideal remote employee must also have these specific qualities:
Must be a great self-manager
Must be a good communicator—both written and verbal
Must proactively reach out for help
Must have integrity
Must thrive under a low-touch, highly flexible management style
Must be trustworthy
Must be ok without a regular, social environment in the workplace
To learn more about building a virtual team, as well as about the importance of onboarding, coaching from a distance, and the nuts and bolts of managing virtually, read the full guide.
As always, we love your insights! If you have tips, suggestions, and best practices to offer, please comment below or join our community discussion
