Technological advances have enabled us to change the way teams work and are led. In a global economy increasing numbers of project teams are geographically dispersed. Setting up a project team for success is a challenge in itself. Now add to that the complexities of being a virtual team.

What is a virtual or remote team?

A virtual or remote team, sometimes known as a geographically dispersed team (GDT), is a group of individuals who work across time, space, and organisational boundaries, with links strengthened by webs of communication technology.

The additional challenges of a virtual project team

How do you keep the interest and commitment of people involved in your project when they are juggling with other priorities? This is a common challenge encountered by virtual or remote project teams together with:

• Lack of engagement and sense of belonging
• Different time zones
• Distractions
• Use of technology
• Inadequate or inappropriate communication
• Organisational vs. local cultural difference
• Behaviour and commitment
• Local management and sponsors re-prioritising activities

Setting up a project team for success

Just as when we work with a new co-located project team, Primeast will work on the following areas:

• Selecting the team
• Determining team purpose, processes and behaviours
• Agreeing the deliverables
• Managing sponsors/stakeholders
• Setting team goals and building trust

Benefits

Virtual project teams taking part in a workshop on setting up will:

• Understand the needs of successful operation as a new remote project team
• Learn practical techniques to avoid the pitfalls of virtual project working
• Practise skills in order to be as effective as a high performing co-located project team
• Explore the technologies available and understand how to get the best out of them

Primeast’s global experience

For 20 years we have been working with clients who are multinational corporations. Working with their dispersed and multicultural teams has given us a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience for you to draw upon.

To find out more, contact our offices directly, or email teamwork@primeast.com.

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