Effective Virtual Team Communications
Synergy of an effective team is when the sum of the whole team is greater than the sum of the each individual. One aspect of achieving team synergy is effective team communications. Communication plays a key role in group decision making (Aakhus, 2002). Anyone who has ever worked on a team to accomplish a task has likely learned that effective communication is a major key to the team’s success. Effective communications in a team that meets face-to-face can have its challenges but can you imagine some of the challenges a virtual team faces? What are some things a virtual team can do to optimize virtual team communications?
One of the first steps a team must take to be successful, according to Combs and Peacocke (2007), is to “…create a team charter that explains the team’s mission, the business problem the team is attempting to solve, and the team’s objectives” (p. 27). Furthermore,
the charter should include an agreed upon plan that includes the methods of communication, individual roles/responsibilities and some general ground rules. According to Gould (2006), teams need to develop a common approach or method on how they will work together to accomplish their purpose. It’s important for every member on the team to understand the common set of objectives to ensure the team progresses to success (Effective Team Vital, 2007).
Another critical element for effective virtual team communications is open and honest dialog. It is critical that team members not embarrass, reject, mock, or punish one another for sharing ideas and perceptions (De Janasz, 2002). Team members that experience personal negative feedback afte ...