Managing virtually offers many benefi ts: It’s easy to accommodate differing schedules, schedule meetings on short notice, reduce travel expenses, be more ecologically friendly, and decrease unproductive travel time. It also allows for the creation of more diverse teams that bring together broader experience and knowledge. But the most important thing for managers to remember is that the success of any team, virtual or not, depends on the people. Technology can bring you together, but it’s the manager who must make sure the relationships stay vital, each team member is valued, and productivity is high. A lot of companies are now looking at having people work virtually. The younger generation expects fl exibility. You have to be visible in your activities, especially in this environment, but visibility doesn’t have to be face-to-face. Those who can demonstrate how to do more with less money are the leaders of tomorrow. Insisting on more face time makes you look out of touch. Technology matters, so understand the latest innovations and make an effort to incorporate them into your work life. Simply having access to e-mail and the company intranet isn’t enough. Think about setting up a community home space featuring pictures and profiles of team members, a discussion board, a team calendar, or a chat room. That will help team members connect with each other outside of meetings and create a closer bond as a group.

Questions 

1. What are the advantages of using virtual teams in place of teams that meet face-to-face? 

2. What factors are important for ensuring the effectiveness of virtual teams? 

3. Why is listening so important in virtual teamwork? 

4. Why is it important to follow up with team members who are silent?