Characteristics of a Good Virtual Team, Essay Example

A good virtual team is an effective virtual team that performs all its functions and tasks within the required time frame, delivering high quality work with little to no extra costs beyond the designated budget. Such a tea possesses certain characteristics that determine how effective and efficient the team is going to be.

A Good Virtual Team Leader

A good virtual team is only as good as the virtual tea leader. This is because the team leader gives the team direction, guiding the team’s operations towards achieving the desired goals and targets. A good virtual team leader who delegates responsibilities and work effectively according to each virtual team member’s strengths and qualities (Meister & Willyerd, 2010). Conflict is an unavoidable event in the course of executing different functions and responsibilities. Members are bound to have opposing opinions in the execution of certain functions. It is the duty of the team leader to manage conflict when it arises to ensure the seamless continuity in high productivity, efficiency and profitability. It is also important that the virtual leader engages with others and consults before making decisions with considerable impact on the virtual team.

A Culture of Openness

A virtual team is highly prone to develop work relations that are clouded by secrecy and red tape. However, a good virtual team develops and adopts a culture of openness so as to nurture authenticity and trust between the team members (Beyerlein, Beyerlein, Bradley, & Nemiro, 2010). By having an environment of team trust, miscommunications and conflict can be easily sorted out before they develop into a hindrance in the execution of business functions. A culture of openness enhances communication and the fluidity of business processes between the different business members. A fluid communication network translates to efficiency and effectiveness.

Effective and Detailed Work Systems

A virtual usually has its members scattered in different geographic areas or zones. As such it is important that a work system be put in place. This work system has to align and coordinate the different components, gearing them towards the timely delivery of the different variables (DeRosa & Lepsinger, 2010). However, the work system has to be completely integrated into the functionality of the different members of the virtual team. This integrated and detailed work system requires that all members be involved in its operation and maintenance.

A Global Mind-set

A good virtual team depicts characteristics of a global mind-set shared amongst all the team members. A global mind-set embodies a global business culture where ideologies and concepts are correct so long as it can ensure productivity, profit and observation of business ethics and the legal requirements of business (Meister & Willyerd, 2010). A good virtual team will have a team leader who will foster such a mind-set so as to create an environment of respect in the workplace. This encourages the different members to take ownership of the product produced so as to work towards a unified and common goal.

In conclusion, a good virtual team is one that is effective and efficient in delivering high quality work within the set time deadlines and limits for resources. Such a team has an effective virtual team leader that is in touch with all the aspects of human resource management. There also has to be a culture of openness to nurture trust, unity and harmony within the virtual team. An effective and detailed work system is important in creating a seamless flow of work and production. Finally, a global mind-set fosters an environment of respect.

References

Beyerlein, M., Beyerlein, S., Bradley, L., & Nemiro, J. (2010). The Handbook of High-Performance Virtual Team. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

DeRosa, D. M., & Lepsinger, R. (2010). Virtual team success : a practical guide for working and leading from a distance.San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Meister, J. C., & Willyerd, K. (2010, June 30). Leading Virtual Teams to Real Results. Retrieved from HBR Blog Network: http://blogs.hbr.org/2010/06/leading-virtual-teams-to-real/