Most large organisations are now spread across numerous locations and with matrix management structures increasingly prevalent, it is inevitable that the structure of teams is changing significantly. Many managers are now responsible for virtual teams distributed across geography and even across organisations. These are sometimes short term project teams with members belonging to a number of different teams at the same time.

Managing a virtual team is considered to be one of the toughest tasks in todays organisations and sadly, many of these teams fail. In addition to the usual challenges of managing a diverse group of individuals, the manager of a virtual team is faced with further challenges including different time zones, shifting team membership, managing at a distance, and the use of communication technology.

Virtual team managers require support to acquire the specific knowledge and skills they need to enhance their traditional leadership competencies.

In response to the growing complexity of virtual teams within organisations, IBA has developed Managing Virtual Teams. This course aims to assist managers and HR professionals to develop the intercultural competence and communication skills required when Managing Virtual Teams.

Upon completion of a IBA Managing Virtual Teams course, you will understand the key issues and motivators that drive your virtual team and gain the skills and tools to successful build, manage and work in a complex environment.

Benefits

IBA Global’s Managing Virtual Teams course will provide you with:

• Increased awareness of your own management style and areas for greater emphasis when managing a virtual team
• A greater understanding of the practical and behavioural challenges of managing virtual teams
• The opportunity to explore your own context and share best practice with other delegates
• Enhanced communication skills to positively interact with virtual team members
• Practical strategies for using a variety of technologies more effectively

Who should attend

IBA Global’s Managing Virtual Teams course will be of benefit to you if you:

• Manage an established dispersed team
• Are responsible for building a new virtual team
• Regularly manage virtual project teams

Course Content

All our Managing Virtual Teams courses are designed to meet the specific needs of our clients depending on their personal/organisational requirements and existing skills set. A Managing

Virtual Teams course typically includes:

• Evaluating and adapting your management style
• Values, attitudes and expectations within the virtual team
• Key stages in virtual team building
• Building trust and maintaining motivation
• Communication styles within the virtual team
• Making virtual meetings a success
• Virtual communication: challenges and solutions
• Practical strategies for effective virtual team management

Approach

Managing Virtual Teams courses are available seven days a week, 365 days a year, either at one of our training centres in London, Paris, Frankfurt and New York or at your offices in any location worldwide. We usually recommend a one or two day course but can also offer a more flexible format to suit your schedule.

Suitably tailored materials will be used throughout your Managing Virtual Teams course and your trainer will provide a balance of structured input and discussion of case studies and scenarios relevant to your own particular context.

The most appropriate training format, content and approach for your Managing Virtual Teams course will be discussed during your diagnostic consultancy.

Cultural Awareness Training course trainer

Your Managing Virtual Teams trainer will be assigned to you following the results of your diagnostic consultancy according to your objectives and areas of focus.