Top 10 Things I Learned Coaching a Virtual Team

[Anonymous]

Top 10 Things I Learned Coaching a Virtual Team

Based on an experience using video conferencing

1. Take extra steps to ensure you start on time
• Ask participants to dial in at least 10 minutes early.
• Have tech support available in each location at the time of initial connection to help ensure all participants get online in a timely fashion.

2. Break outs work
• Reserve the technology (e.g. telephone conference bridges, skype or zoom links) and additional meeting rooms in advance.
• Pre-think break out participants associated with goals for the coaching (i.e. not keeping participants in their distinct geographies / creating opportunities for connection) and have conference bridges pre-assigned to groups to facilitate easy transition.
• Provide specific instructions about the activity and the time to reassemble.

3. Agreements are important
• Valuable topics for agreements include staying present; avoiding technology distractions and reporting back on time from breakouts.

4. Pay attention to session timing
• Determine the optimal time of day for participants to engage without distraction.
• Assess what duration will work for quality engagement. Longer duration may be difficult.

5. Evolve your approach
• Check with participants about what is and is not working and amend your approach accordingly.

6. Help participants engage
• Ensure participants have privacy and are not connecting from a cubicle or public space.
• Participant space should be pre-booked well in advance of the session.

7. Share flip chart content on PowerPoint slides
• Instead of flip charts, create a slide deck with flip chart content
• If technology doesn’t allow for material and participants to be seen at the same time, distribute the slide deck in advance and ask each participant to bring a print out to the session.

8. Team exercises work
• Assess the exercises you would like to bring to the team. With modifications, many team exercises designed to be done face-to-face can be done with virtual teams. A little creativity goes a long way. It will be different AND it will be valuable.
• Use a PowerPoint visual to show what would usually be depicted on the floor. Participants can still self-identify and discuss what they are selecting.
• Alternate group discussions with more intimate breakouts/exercises that involve personal reflection to honour different participants’ preferences.

9. Watch for side conversations and silence
• Watch for both side conversations and silence in the various participant rooms. Ask powerful questions and ensure all team members have the opportunity to participate.

10. Introductions may be required
• Although not always the case, virtual team members are separated geographically and may have never met. There is value in including activities to help team members get to know each other and understand their respective roles and value on the team.

[Laura]

Thanks for sharing what I assume is your well-earned wisdom.

[Author]

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