Virtual Team Management: Tips for Managers and Leaders

This article discusses the challenges faced by managers while managing virtual teams and provides tips on how to manage virtual teams effectively. The article covers topics such as different time zones, language barriers, cultural differences, clarity, and emergent leadership. References are also provided for further reading.

Management Communication 1
Management Communication

Management Communication 2
XYZ Company
A-22, Holy Street
Date: 9/08/2018
To: Marketing Director
From: Senior Analyst
Subject: VIRTUAL TEAM MANAGEMENT
A virtual team is defined as the group of people which mainly participates in the common
projects by collaborating their efforts and actions for the purpose of achieving the common
objectives.
As stated, management of the virtual team is the most important process, and while managing
and leading the team following are some important areas on which managers and leaders must
focus:
First argument includes the discussion related to the different time zones, language barriers, and
cultural differences between the members of the virtual teams. Second argument deals with the
clarity, and third argument deals with the emergent leadership.
Different time zones: Different zones of times are considered as the big issue, as it creates the
complications in the working. Different time zones are not only an issue but it is also an
opportunity for the purpose of increasing efficiency by working around the clock. Managers can
develop the team which works 24/7 for the purpose of ensuring connectivity with other teams.
Another area which must be considered by the managers is the hurdles related to the language, as
this area require the greater attention of the manager and leader while delegating the work to its
team members. For resolving this issue, management can develop the team charter which mainly
clarifies the direction and also established the well defines rules in context of working together
(Duarte & Snyder, 2006). Culture difference is another big issue which must be considered by
each and every manager or leader of the virtual teams. It is very difficult for the managers to
focus on the background of each and every member of the team for the purpose of ensuring the
effective collaboration. As there is difference between the members of the team, and because of
this it is necessary to balance it with the help of the formal and informal communication. (Serrat,
2009).
Clarity: Clarity is the most important element for making any team effective, and because of this
it is the most important responsibility of the manager and leader. In other words, mangers must
assigned particular tasks to each and every member of the team. Particular tasks not only ensure
the clarity but also prevent the confusion and chaos between the team members. Manager must

Management Communication 3
focus on creating the environment which ensures the relevant accountability of the person, and
this also ensures the trust between the team members. Things become worse when person is not
accountable for the task done by them, as it not only reduce the efficiency but also create
conflicts between the team members. This issue can only be resolved by held the particular
person accountable for the task done by them, as it improves the efficiency of the person and also
ensures timely performance. Clarity in accountability is the most important tool which not only
assures the effectiveness in the performance but also helps in identifying the loopholes which
affects the performance of the individual and team members in the organization (Mcconnnell,
2012).
Nurture emergent leadership: Emergent leaders are considered as important for the purpose of
ensuring the innovation in the performance of team, and this can be ensured through the training
programs. Objectives of the organization are important to achieve, but personal objectives of the
employees are also required to achieve. As balance between the two not only avoids conflict
between the two but also ensure the achievement of both in effective manner. It is necessary for
the leader to not only maintain balance of fulfilment between the two but also ensure their
achievement in such manner as it provides benefit to both organization as well as employee.
These types of leaders not only ensure the achievement of organization’s objectives but also help
their team members in achieving their personal objectives (Sulllivan, 2018). There are number of
times when advanced technology also failed, and because of this it is necessary for the managers
to prepare an alternative plan and also prepare the team members to face the challenges in the
future. These future challenges can disturb the achievement of targets, and preparation of
employees in this context prevent the severe consequences both team member and organization.
After considering the facts of the above stated function, it is clear that there are number of areas
on which manager or leader needs to focus, as focus on these areas ensures the effective working
of the virtual team.
Copy To:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>

Management Communication 4
References:
Duarte, D. & Snyder, N. (2006). Mastering Virtual Teams: Strategies, Tools, and Techniques
That Succeed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mcconnnell, E. (2012). Virtual Teams – Definition, Management and Benefits. Available at:
https://mymanagementguide.com/managing-virtual-teams-understanding-definition-
management-and-benefits/. Accessed on 9th August 2018.
Serrat, O. (2009). Managing Virtual Teams, Chicago School of Professional Psychology,
Volume 55.
Sullivan, T. (2018). 6 tips for managing virtual teams. Available at: http://www.hult.edu/blog/6-
tips-managing-virtual-teams/. Accessed on 9th August 2018.