When I talk to managers of remote teams, we frequently discuss how easy it is to misread people's intentions when we work in different locations. Without the benefit of seeing someone scurrying around in the workplace looking busy and overwhelmed, we may question why they haven't answered a recent email. It may feel as if they are ignoring their commitments. After we lead a virtual meeting, we may receive little to no feedback from people about how the meeting went. It can feel as if we no longer have the same reference points to know what people are truly thinking and feeling.
This sense of disconnection and isolation can create confusion or conflict on a virtual team. In the Virtual Leader program we introduce the C3 model: Calibrate, Collaborate and Celebrate. This model recommends that the virtual leader consciously work to get and keep people aligned with the team's goals and expectations. It supports the virtual leader to intentionally increase collaboration by delegating projects to sub-teams. And it encourages the virtual leader to create a culture of celebration where people recognize that their work has meaning and purpose, and their contributions are valued.
Two incidents in the past couple of weeks reminded me how important communication and connection become when we have little face-to-face contact. In one instance, I was awaiting the draft of an article from a colleague in another state. We had agreed on a deadline for her to write a first draft so I could review it and make changes before we submitted it to the editor of a publication. The deadline came and went. No article arrived and there was no communication from her about what happened. In frustration, I emailed and asked for a phone conversation. In that conversation, I explained my concern that we were now three days past the deadline. My colleague apologized and explained the situation that had blocked her from writing the draft. We agreed on a revised deadline which I communicated to the editor. I asked my colleague to communicate immediately if she found she couldn't fulfill the commitment. We got back on track. When we don't work next to someone, regular communication becomes even more critical to reduce misunderstandings and increase trust.
In the second situation, I delivered a face-to-face workshop on how to resolve conflict to an enthusiastic and engaged group of people for a client in another city. After I returned to my office, I received several emails from participants thanking me for the course and offering specific examples of how the content would help them manage more effectively. Receiving immediate, positive, personal feedback is truly a gift. I was blown away that these managers took the time to say, "thank you." It was a great reinforcement of why virtual leaders should consciously build cultures of celebration and appreciation. I have a little rosy glow as I type this newsletter. My work is valued! It made a difference! That's the way we want everyone on our virtual team to feel.
If you want to train your remote leaders in the techniques that virtual workers value, check out the Virtual Leader program at netspeedlearning.com. We can deliver this five-web workshop program for your virtual leaders, or we can certify your internal trainers to deliver it.
The revised and updated Great Webinars is now available for purchase at Amazon. It's hard to imagine that it has been nine years since I first wrote this book. In the latest version, I've updated some of the key points to better reflect improvements in web conference technology. We've also replaced all of the graphic images with more current examples. And, most exciting to me, I've written a new chapter on the cognitive principles that make for great virtual training.
If you want to support the virtual trainers in your organization, consider buying multiple copies of Great Webinars. For single copies, buy it directly from Amazon. For 20 or more copies, contact us directly for a volume discount
Cynthia Clay's Upcoming Speaking Events
If you are planning to attend an upcoming conference, Cynthia Clay would love to meet you there.
Are You Planning to Attend ATD's Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.?
If you are coming to the ATD International Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., plan to visit us in the Exhibit Hall, Booth 1419.
Stop by to introduce yourself, take our quiz, become a fan, and enter to win an Amazon Echo Show! Also receive 10% off any program or service if purchased by August 31st!
PLUS, don't miss Cynthia Clay's Exhibitor Solution Session:
Tuesday, May 21, 3:00 pm
That's Using Your Noggin: Brain-based Principles for Better Virtual Training
Session T73EXS in the Monument Room, Marriott Marquis
We hope to see you there!
Upcoming NetSpeed Learning Events
Explore something new with one of our engaging and interactive webinars or public courses.
Virtual Facilitator Trainer Certification (VFTC)
Spring is here, and our May course is fast approaching! This wildly popular course always receives rave reviews from participants as it provides a deep-dive into best practices for virtual facilitation and design!
You've seen Cynthia Clay in action month after month, now it's your turn to rock the virtual classroom! The May course opens May 22nd, and the first webinar is March 29th.
If you want to leverage the neuroscience of learning to design and facilitate extraordinary online learning experiences, register now for our latest course. We've built this course incorporating 12 brain-based learning principles (six for engagement and six for retention).
Limited to eight participants, the May course is experiential, participatory, and hands-on. Facilitated by Cynthia Clay and Sherry Johnson-Metz, this advanced course requires previous certification in a virtual facilitator course delivered by NetSpeed Learning Solutions (or a comparable virtual training course). Early registration discount!
Rocking the Digital Workplace: Leading High-Impact Virtual Teams
This session explores how virtual leaders must attend to relationship, reliability, results, and recognition issues as they strive to communicate clearly and build connections across virtual distance.
Ensure that your organization attracts and retains Millennial talent. Develop your emerging leaders' skills in self-development, performance management, team performance, and organizational impact.
When I talk to managers of remote teams, we frequently discuss how easy it is to misread people's intentions when we work in different locations. Without the benefit of seeing someone scurrying around in the workplace looking busy and overwhelmed, we may question why they haven't answered a recent email. It may feel as if they are ignoring their commitments. After we lead a virtual meeting, we may receive little to no feedback from people about how the meeting went. It can feel as if we no longer have the same reference points to know what people are truly thinking and feeling.
If you are planning to attend an upcoming conference, Cynthia Clay would love to meet you there.
