Tips for Managing a Virtual Team

Create a Virtual Environment

• Lead By Example – Show flexibility by teleworking.
• Practice - Designate one team meeting a month as a virtual meeting.
• Consider Virtual Technology – Office Communicator and teleconferencing can simplify business communications between ALL team members and customers. 
• Team Unity – Include teleworkers during team building activities on their telework day by using virtual technology.  
• Communications – Continue to stay connected and continue relationship building. 

Create a High-Performance Team

• Create a Vision - Establish clear objectives for the entire team that communicate the business necessity and benefits of working virtually. 
• Develop Team Norms - Create an open dialogue with team members to define teamwork processes, set performance standards, and establish expectations for customers and key stakeholders.
• Be Results Driven – Review employee outputs to measure productivity based upon predetermined goals.
• Be Consistent and Establish Expectations Early - Don’t let employees say, “I can’t do…. because I’m teleworking.” Telework is not an excuse.  Treat all employees equally!  
• Build Trust – Use performance-based metrics, discuss best practices with the whole team, and address problems early. 
• Emergency Preparedness – Communicate employee expectations when Unscheduled Telework/Unscheduled Leave is announced by OPM or NIH to ensure the office is prepared for all types of emergencies or non-emergencies.