In this new normal, there are high-performing virtual teams that stood out and others that had more difficulties in adapting to the remote reality. But what are the reasons for this difference?
High-performing virtual teams are composed of people with specialized knowledge and complementary skills, oriented towards objectives and directed to obtaining clear and excellent results. As a team, these employees work to innovate, can take risks, share ideas and manage projects.
But building high-performing virtual teams requires more than just bringing together a group of talented people with the right skills. It requires careful development and the cultivation of certain characteristics, behaviours and best practices.
Although each team is different, there are common characteristics that high-performing virtual teams share.
What are they? We will share some, as well as how to cultivate and develop them.
Clear objectives
High-performing virtual teams are aligned under a focus and purpose and have common priorities. It is important to define individual and team goals that support this shared vision so that the work of each one generates achievements.
The goals are not only aligned but clearly defined and shared with all members of the team so that everyone knows exactly what they need to do, how to get there and be able to organize their daily work autonomously.
Work oriented towards the company’s mission
When employees understand how their work fits into the context of the organization’s overall goals and mission, they become more motivated and productive. High-performing virtual teams know their purpose and work together to support a shared vision.
Defining roles and responsibilities
Physical distance can make a talented and productive team get off track. The team’s elements start to work more individually and extra help may be needed in defining the space of each one. It is necessary to minimize unnecessary conflicts: clearly defining the role of each person, avoiding confusion about project properties, keeping workflows and deadlines organized and ensuring the responsibility of each individual.
Communication
Possibly the highest priority for virtual teams!
High-performing teams define clear communication channels and tools so that everyone knows when, where and with whom to communicate. How to have successful communication at a distance? You can read more here!
Prioritizing work and deadlines
The arrival of remote work to most companies has increased productivity in almost all scenarios and a consequent need for faster responses. High-performing virtual teams focus on what matters most and spend their time according to priorities. The ability to discern the greater or lesser importance and urgency of tasks is necessary to organize projects and meet deadlines, keeping the work pace balanced.
Trust and diversity
In a high-performing virtual team, trust is the watchword, whether between colleagues or between managers and employees. Being able to exchange ideas, delegate and know that our colleagues are contributing to a common project even though we are not physically close to them is crucial for the team to work.
Respect and recognition for the diversity of thinking and individual experiences make a team stronger.
Motivation
With remote work, it is normal for the employees to be less motivated, for various reasons. In this way, and to increase the performance of a team, it is beneficial to create a culture of collaboration that celebrates success as a result of the team’s effort. The commemoration of victories together, the recognition and appreciation for the contributions of each employee helps to value all the elements of the team.
Learning and development
Even the best teams have room to develop. High-performing virtual teams value feedback and learn from their mistakes. Companies that invest in growth opportunities by fostering a culture of feedback and bet on the continuous development of their employees achieve greater growth in the long run.
Infrastructure
A technology-oriented culture gives remote workers an advantage in the new normal.
The existence of infrastructures with cloud-based applications that can support document creation, task management and virtual collaboration will make teams perform much better!
Cloud-based solutions are important as they facilitate the sharing of information between geographically distant teams. Discover Teleperformance’s commitment in this field through the Cloud Campus!
Do you want to be part of our team?
Teleperformance has several job offers where you can work as a team remotely! Consult open positions on our website!
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