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Optimizing Virtual Teamwork

A large video meeting in progress

Learn the best practices and tools for virtual teamwork

Prior to COVID-19, estimates suggested that only ~16% of teams operated in a virtual format. The pandemic has forced a number of teams to quickly and efficiently move 100% online—and employees now face even more conflicts and challenges within the workplace environment.

This abrupt shift means that organizations, teams, and individuals must rapidly learn new ways of communicating, collaborating, and connecting with one another. Our workshop will provide helpful tools and best practices—based on up-to-the-minute research—for virtual teams, including how to conduct effective meetings, presentations and evaluations.


Course Outline

  • Lesson 1. Realities and Challenges of Virtual Teamwork
    • The impact of the sudden shift to virtual teamwork
    • The crucial loss of social interaction and its impact to relationships, rapport, and communication
    • The challenge of trust in a virtual environment
  • Lesson 2. Communication on Virtual Teams
    • Making the most of virtual communication options
    • ABuilding rapport and understanding with better listening
    • Addressing conflict and raising issues without defensiveness
  • Lesson 3. Collaboration and Teamwork
    • Clarifying virtual team roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities
    • Running an effective, engaging virtual meeting
    • Assessing personal effectiveness as a virtual team member/collaborator
  • Lesson 4. Action planning and Wrap Up
    • Explore how to ensure participants incorporate today's lessons into their workplace
    • Review, questions and wrap up for the day

Learner Outcomes

After this class, you will be able to:

  • Communicate effectively in virtual settings so that video, email, presentations, IMs, etc. are clear, courteous, and timely
  • Conduct an effective virtual meeting
  • Raise issues and discuss sensitive topics with colleagues using virtual communication tools
  • Assess and manage their virtual team member "reputation" so that blind spots and behaviors do not have unintended negative impact

Optimizing Virtual Teamwork Course Information

Contact Hours
3 hours

Course Fee(s)
Contact us

NEXT STEPS

This course is currently not offered to the public.