working+well+in+virtual+team

= =  [] (29/11/2014)  [|Home] » [|Knowledge Center] » [|Employee Resources] » [|Career Issues] » Working Well in Virtual Teams  The work world is becoming increasingly virtual, and that shift is demanding new skills from today’s employees. A recent study from Brandman University in Irvine, California reveals that among 40 percent the nation’s largest employers, nearly half their employees work on virtual teams. To be successful, those virtual employees need solid communication skills, the ability to self-pace and work independently, and a sense of accountability. That’s according to the senior leaders and hiring managers surveyed. Charles Bullock, vice chancellor of academic affairs at Brandman, said the university pursued the study in an effort to plan its curriculum. “Universities are not really preparing the workforce of the future for this virtual environment,” he said. __ Brandman, which caters to working adults, is making a concerted effort to incorporate independent self-study and virtual collaboration groups. Although the university offers both on-campus and online learning, students will be required to participate in virtual teams. Students use discussion boards, wikis, blogging and video conferencing as part of the new model. __ And while the college is investing in virtual technology, the study showed American businesses may be slow to adopt these tools. According to the report, more than 70 percent said that having an understanding or proficiency in collaboration technologies is a must for employment consideration. But most companies (40 percent) are planning to invest in video and web conferencing, rather than instant messaging, blogs, wikis, or social networks. Bullock suggests these findings reflect a real gap between expectation and action. “I really think the more progressive companies will invest in technology that allows employees to have a more face-to-face environment yet builds teamwork at more remote distances.” Managers Needs Skills Too Employees aren’t the only ones who need to develop virtual skills. Companies are also looking for managers who can lead remote teams. In recruiting managers for virtual teams, more than half the respondents said they are looking for candidates who exhibit excellent communication and collaboration skills (57 percent) and the ability to set clear job responsibilities and expectations with the use of electronic tools (56 percent). They’re also looking for managers who understand how to build team trust and commitment without the beneﬁt of face-to-face contact (47 percent). For Bullock, that means today’s managers have to learn new ways of working. “Face-to-face has been seen has the way to build trust and rapport,” he said. “Management philosophy lags technology.” Trust Gaps Of course, virtual teaming is not without inherent challenges. Senior leaders have concerns about the challenges their managers have to face. The leading concern was building trust among employees (57 percent). That means building confidence that the work will get done, on time. Managers also want to know employees are putting adequate energy into the job, taking time to generate new ideas and provide superior service rather than simply meeting minimum requirements. Other concerns include communicating effectively (49 percent) and managing projects and deadlines with employees not physically present (43 percent). Many respondents also felt that telecommuting was a barrier to creativity and building team consensus—critical assets as a company struggles to stay competitive. But it’s not just managers who worry about the implications of virtual teaming. Virtual employees are concerned about opportunities for advancement because they lack face-to-face interaction with their supervisors. More work needs to be done to help managers and employees bridge those communication gaps. As far as a key takeway Bullock wants to convey to his students, the message is clear: “Given our unemployment rate, employees that are seeking work really need to stress that they can build trust in a virtual environment.” That applies to both managers and employees alike. –

//Jaime Leick//

//LMW Content Editor//