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Episode 126: Developing Strong Teams Remotely and In-Person

As we move out of the pandemic and into 2023, we need to invest in developing strong teams. Teams cannot be put on a shelf and called upon when needed, teams evolve and we have to be intentional about how we nurture them. Energy, engagement, and exploration are three different dimensions of communication that are effective for measuring the performance of teams. In this episode, Vanessa dissects several ways we can grow strong teams including the need for face-to-face meetings (even if on Zoom) to keep teams effective. 

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Statistics and Links mentioned in this episode:

  • In 2019, the Society for Human Resource Management found that the biggest benefits to virtual teams include global perspectives (81%), diversity (72%), creativity (54%), access to talent anywhere (53%), cost-effectiveness (32%), and productivity (31%). (SHRM, 2019)
  • The same SHRM study also noted that virtual teams are highly collaborative. In fact, 48% of HR practitioners said that they have global teams that work closely and collaboratively daily. On the other hand, 86% of virtual teams work together at least once a week. (SHRM, 2019)
  • According to Culture Wizard’s 2018 Virtual Teams Survey, the top challenges faced by virtual teams are time zone differences (88%), difficulty in communication (86%), managing conflict (86%), building relationships (86%), timelessness, and responsiveness (80%), understanding different accents (80%), and lack of engagement from all members (76%). (CultureWizard, 2018)
  • The same study found that for 84% of virtual workers, virtual communication is more difficult than face-to-face communication. (CultureWizard, 2018)
  • https://financesonline.com/virtual-team-statistics/ 
  • https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2020/04/22/how-remote-work-impacts-collaboration-findings-team/ 

Three key things to keep in mind when developing strong teams:

  • When choosing communication methods, give priority to video or in person communication. A team that communicates primarily through face-to-face (even on Zoom) interactions will have more energy than a team communicating strictly via email.  In-person interactions correlate strongly to successful teams. 
  • When one person grows, we all grow. Leaders need to provide guidance and encourage collaboration. Additionally, they need to find and offer opportunities for self-development. As each individual grows and matures in their role, so too shall the team.
  • Give your team a why. Give them the motivation to show up everyday and keep creating work that matters. By showing members that what they are doing matters and is needed, they will be more likely to engage with one another and take the initiative to connect with other teams.

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Vanessa Mathews, host

Vanessa Mathews is the founder and chief resilience officer of Asfalis Advisors, where they are focused on protecting the legacy of the leaders they serve through business resilience. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Mathews developed global crisis management and business continuity programs for government and private sector organizations to include Lowe’s Companies, Gulfstream Aerospace, and the Department of Homeland Security.

Jon Seals, producer

Jon Seals is the editor in chief at Disaster Recovery Journal, the leading magazine/event in business continuity. Seals is an award-winning journalist with a background in publication design, business media, content management, sports journalism, social media, and podcasting.

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