Q&A: What are some best practices for leading a virtual project team?
What are some best practices for leading a virtual project team?
Virtual teams can present unique challenges. How do we keep everyone aligned and engaged when our only connections are remote?
Here are some practical tips for leading a virtual project team:
Set Communication Ground Rules: Don't leave communication to chance! Is it Teams or Slack for quick questions, email for formal updates, or a project management platform for task assignments? Specify which tools to use for what types of communications. You should also encourage team members to share their working hours and availability to help manage expectations.
Optimize Virtual Meetings: Long, rambling virtual meetings can kill engagement, so ditch the round-robin status updates. Instead, use your meeting time for brainstorming, problem-solving, and decision-making. To create space for open discussion and feedback, share agendas ahead of time and incorporate interactive elements like breakout rooms and shared whiteboards.
Encourage Team Member Collaboration: Suggest that small groups of team members meet outside of regular team meetings to tackle specific tasks or problems together. These working sessions can help build trust and individual bonds.
Schedule Individual Check-Ins: Schedule short, regular meetings with each team member to check in on progress, address challenges, and offer support. These meetings help to cultivate connections but also allow us to catch obstacles and potential delays early.
Leading a virtual team requires intentional effort and clear communication. By implementing these best practices, you can foster a more collaborative environment, no matter the distance.
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