Leading Virtual Teams Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Leading Virtual Teams - Essay Example According to Fisher & Fisher (2000), leaders of virtual teams should be able to exemplify five (5) best known practicers, to wit: (1) being accessible, (2) elimination of blaming, (3) creation of a learning environment, (4) creation of opportunities for personal development, and (5) managing work – life balance issues. Moreover, the leader of a virtual team should be cognizant of assuming the following roles: that of a results catalyst, facilitator, barrier buster, business analyzer, coach, and as a role model or living example (Fisher & Fisher, 2000). These styles and competencies enable the leaders to create a conducive environment which facilitates regular interaction between and among members. In addition, despite working in remote environments, the application of these practices provide opportunities for open communication to guide members towards accomplishments of delegated tasks. Both micro and macro-oriented perspectives are taken into consideration by virtual leaders to help resolve urgent concerns, conflicts among members, and correct weaknesses, as required. As such, performance monitorign is facilitated which ensures that team efforts are directed towards goal accomplishment. The most important strategies that a leader can employ when working with virtual groups is using technology and its applications to communicate as regularly as possible. At the onset, it should be clear to all the members the mission, boundary conditions, core values, operating guidelines, as well as the respective roles and responsibilities of members (Fisher & Fisher, 2000). Through open communication, urgent concerns are immediate communicated and addressed. Likewise, through regular communication, a cohesive team is created.