Secrets to virtual team success

The emergence of telepresence and collaborative technologies has made virtual teamwork an increasingly popular option, especially given soaring travel costs. But just as important to virtual teams' success as the technology are the policies and procedures to support them.

OnPoint Consulting, a firm focused on organizational and leadership issues, recently studied virtual teams across a range of industries. That research identified several best practices for virtual teams, according to Darleen DeRosa, managing partner at OnPoint Consulting. Here she shares some of the key qualities for success:

* Ample initiative. Members of high performing virtual teams are proactive and engaged. DeRosa suggests creating a team charter to enhance commitment and accountability.

* Willingness to lead. Proactive members on high performing teams take on leadership responsibilities as required.

* Shared process for decision making and problem solving. Effective team leaders establish processes to facilitate problem solving and decision making and revisit these communication processes over time.

* Understanding of importance of work. High performing virtual teams have an understanding of how their work aligns with the strategy of their organization. This helps combat isolation and keeps members engaged.

* Give and receive timely feedback. High-performing teams overcome communication challenges.

* Trust to get things done. Trust is a key factor and you can build it by following through on commitments and holding each other accountable for results.

* Go the extra mile. Team members should be willing to go above and beyond what’s required to accomplish their goals.

* Effective collaboration. Understand how the team can work together to achieve its goals. Operating guidelines help structure team communication and coordination.

* Assist each other. The best virtual teams involve others to execute tasks and objectives and achieve goals.

As DeRosa notes, IT organizations should ensure these core practices are in place and continually assess performance.