You’re struggling to get your virtual team to work together. What are you doing wrong?

1 Lack of clear goals and expectations

One of the biggest sources of frustration and confusion for virtual teams is not knowing what they are supposed to do, how they are supposed to do it, and why they are doing it. Without clear goals and expectations, your team members may feel lost, unmotivated, or overwhelmed. To prevent this, you need to set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals for your team and communicate them clearly and regularly. You also need to define the roles and responsibilities of each team member and ensure that they have the resources and support they need to complete their tasks.

2 Poor communication and feedback

Another common problem for virtual teams is poor communication and feedback. When your team members are working remotely, they may miss out on the verbal and nonverbal cues that help build rapport and trust. They may also struggle to express their ideas, opinions, and emotions effectively through online channels. To overcome this, you need to establish a communication protocol that specifies the frequency, mode, and purpose of your team’s interactions. You also need to provide constructive and timely feedback to your team members and encourage them to share their feedback with you and each other.

3 Lack of collaboration and engagement

A third challenge for virtual teams is lack of collaboration and engagement. When your team members are working in different locations, time zones, and cultures, they may feel isolated, disconnected, or indifferent. They may also have difficulties coordinating their work and resolving conflicts. To avoid this, you need to foster a sense of community and belonging among your team members. You can do this by creating opportunities for socializing, learning, and recognition. You also need to promote a collaborative culture that values diversity, creativity, and innovation.

4 Lack of accountability and trust

A fourth issue for virtual teams is lack of accountability and trust. When your team members are working independently, they may have different levels of commitment, motivation, and performance. They may also have doubts about the reliability, competence, and integrity of their teammates. To prevent this, you need to establish a system of accountability and trust that monitors and rewards your team’s progress and results. You also need to demonstrate your trust in your team members by giving them autonomy, flexibility, and empowerment.

5 Lack of tools and technology

A fifth and final obstacle for virtual teams is lack of tools and technology. When your team members are working online, they depend on the quality and availability of the tools and technology they use to communicate, collaborate, and manage their work. If these tools and technology are inadequate, outdated, or incompatible, they may cause delays, errors, or frustrations. To avoid this, you need to invest in the best tools and technology for your team’s needs and preferences. You also need to provide training and support for your team members to use them effectively and efficiently.