Virtual Teams, further defined

Subject: Virtual Teams, further defined
From: "Peggy Richardson of mer-it.com" <techwrl -at- mer-it -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2002 23:44:57 -0800

In answer to John's question: yup - that's what we mean. And not only just the act of working in this way - but the real interaction of a *high-functioning team* who work together in this way. My reading leads me to believe that the term "Virtual Teams" was developed in response to the need for members to feel the same level of *trust* that a well-built team who worked locally with each other would have.

We're finding, through research and various interviews with those that work on successful virtual teams, that there are some definite tricks to establish this. Your point about communication is key. We're trying to move away from just being fascinated with the technology, to finding out how to mold the technology around the humans involved. How is this high-quality level of communication established? Does it mean just using web conferencing and other tools? What are the peripheral issues, such as how to deal with difficult people on the team, how to garner enthusiasm for new ideas, etc.?

Steve Hudson makes a good point: sometimes a quality team setup does not involve a lot of expense. If you were using only email and a few free or cheap web-based tools, what are the techniques involved that can be applied no matter what your setup? (This list might be an interesting case study, come to think of it... we do have many of the aspects of a successful team. :o)

I'd be interested in further feedback from the list, now that we've narrowed the definition down a bit.
Thanks again,
Peggy

At 03:17 PM 1/17/02 -0800, John Posada wrote:

Peggy...define virtual teams. I regularly work as part of project
teams with half the people spread out throughout the country.

For instance...I'm in Basking Ridge, NJ. Just left a 2 hour
conference call with 5 people in the room, with the lead developer in
Holmdel NJ (90 minutes away), the project manager from her home
"somewhere out west", the SME in the Denver area, the assis developer
just outside of Charlotte NC, and someone else, I don't know where.
This is not an unusual situation...every project I'm on...6
currently, are the same way.

We use MetMeeting and Webex alot, all conference rooms are equiped
with polycoms, VERY GOOD projectors with serial ports are available
within 30 minutes from the AV department, we get phone bridge
extensions for remote callins with tollfree numbers.

I don't think this is too different from most large companies,
especialy if they are in the telecom field.

Is this what you mean?

=====
John Posada


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Follow-Ups:

References:
Virtual Teams: From: Peggy Richardson of mer-it.com
Re: Virtual Teams: From: John Posada

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