Article posted on August 9, 2018
Team collaboration is nothing new in the business world. Some issues can only be solved by getting your best people to work together. This can be an issue if the team members are from different divisions or work remotely. Thankfully, there is technology that can not only let in-house teams collaborate more efficiently, but bring scattered employees together to work, problem solve, and create.
Here are some ideas on how successful virtual teams collaborate, how to ease file sharing, and what collaboration tools they utilize for success.
Use a flexible team structure
A complex project needs a large team which can be difficult to manage remotely. A solution would be to separate them into three tiers, a leadership core, an operational team, and an outer network. This brings the most important elements together and increases productivity.
Share documents
Online tools like Dropbox, Google Docs, and most Microsoft products give your virtual teams the flexibility to create, edit and share together no matter where they are or when they are working. Social media is also another platform that can be used by remote teams to plan, share documents, and communicate.
Meet in person
This may go against the grain for a “virtual” team, but if you have the means, it is a great idea to get the team to meet in person at least once to interact and socialize. Being able to talk and meet and establish common ground and unity is a great start to collaboration, especially if the project will take months or years to complete.
Share screens
Videoconferencing has come a long way. Instead of a single camera and a single screen, each team member has their own. This allows them to not only communicate easier, but they can share their computer screen with others for a second opinion or to illustrate a point.
Practice
Just as real-life team building exercises encourage your group members to learn to work together, virtual teams can also engage in activities that will help them develop the skills they need for team success. Group activities like online scavenger hunts or even online role-playing games like World of Warcraft or EVE Online can be used to build leadership and teamwork skills and learn to do what is best for the team.
Throughout history, teamwork has done some amazing things; powered flight, landing on the moon, the transcontinental railroad – all these innovations were the product of the right people working together under the right conditions to create something unique and lasting. Your company is no different. With the right tools and technology, anything is possible.
If your company needs a dedicated space for group work or collaborative learning, Techteriors will help. We have the right technology solutions to suit your virtual collaboration needs. Give your team the tools they need to flourish, call Techteriors today.
