Virtual teams are becoming a norm for modern businesses. According to PGi's 2015 Global Telework Survey, 79% of knowledge workers reported working outside the office. With more teams working remote, it's important to remember a few commandments to keep teams working successfully.

1. 10
Commandments
of virtual
Teams

2. Virtual teams are becoming a norm for
modern businesses. According to PGi's
2015 Global Telework Survey, 79% of
knowledge workers reported working
outside the office.
With more teams working remote, it's
important to remember a few
commandments to keep teams working
successfully.

3. THOU SHALT COMMUNICATE
When it comes to virtual teams,
communication is crucial.
Keeping in touch with the entire
team on a regular basis will
solidify the bond between each
position and assure better
teamwork.
Tip:
Use tools like instant
messengers to keep in
contact daily.
I.

4. THOU SHALT GET DRESSED
Transition yourself into work
mode by getting up and getting
dressed each day. Showering
and getting dressed will keep
you from sitting on the couch
binge watching Netflix instead
of actually getting work done.
Tip:
You don't have to adhere to a
business casual dress code,
but wear something
comfortable and appropriate.
II.

5. THOU SHALT USE THE RIGHT TOOLS
Using email, instant messenger
and the phone are great ways to
communicate, but an online
meeting tool with video and
audio capabilities is even better
for building personal
relationships.
Tip:
Get in the habit of always
turning on your webcam. Most
communication is non-verbal.
III.

6. THOU SHALT NOT BE A MISSING PERSON
Never being available for
meetings with your team can
cause a huge gap in
communication about business
goals and plans. Don't become
the face on the milk carton.
Tip:
Make sure you work on time
management to allow
collaboration sessions with
your team.
IV.

7. THOU SHALT SET OFFICE TIMES
Working remote can actually
lead people to overworking.
Make sure you set specific office
hours for yourself so you aren't
constantly logged on and
checking email throughout the
night.
Tip:
Sync up your office hours with
the rest of your team.
If they're in different time
zones, try to be available
during their peak hours.
V.

8. THOU SHALT COLLABORATE
Being remote doesn't mean you
can get away with not
collaborating. As with any other
team, you and your coworkers
should make a conscious effort
to collaborate as much as
possible.
Tip:
Use online workspaces to
collaborate online through
forums and discussions.
VI.

9. THOU SHALT USE THY WEBCAM
Remember when we talked
about the importance of getting
dressed? Virtual teams should
use their webcams for meetings.
Video conferencing creates a
more personal feel than
traditional audio-only meetings.
Tip:
Seriously, please go get
dressed.
VII.

10. THOU SHALT SET GOALS
When working in a virtual team
it's inherently important to create
a set of goals and objectives to
measure everyone's success.
Because the team isn't in-office,
these goals help managers keep
employees accountable for their
work.
Tip:
Set goals monthly rather than
quarterly to gauge small
successes.
VIII.

11. THOU SHALT MEET IN PERSON
It's far too easy to work remote
and forget about having actual
relationships with your
coworkers. Make an effort to
meet with your entire team, even
if it's just for coffee or dinner.
Sync up once a month in-person
if your budget allows.
Tip:
If your team is in different
cities, meet in each one. Avoid
getting together in the same
place every time.
IX.

12. THOU SHALT BUILD TRUST
Team building is
important, especially for virtual
teams. Make a conscious effort
to host team building activities
with your virtual team to build
trust.
Tip:
Try virtual team building
activities like online games
that require collaboration to
complete.
X.

13. Want to learn more about virtual
teams and team building?
Check out PGi's free eBook, Teamwork
Makes the Dream Work:
http://bit.ly/teamworkebook