The Manager's Pocket Guide to Virtual Teams

Step B.Facilitate teamwork

•   What it means:

—   Making sure for every business goal the right people with the right skills are participating in positive ways

•   How it works:

—   Request information

—   Involve others in decisions

—   Credit contributions

The Idea

Teamwork does not just happen, it needs to be facilitated. Leaders encourage teamwork in several ways. They:

•   Establish a positive climate;

•   Promote participation;

•   Empower the team;

•   Model teamwork with peers; and

•   Reinforce established team behaviors.

For leaders to establish a positive climate they need to:

•   Provide ongoing opportunities for team members to share their thoughts and feelings,

•   Pay attention to personal needs,

•   Treat each person as a unique ...