Today in the OD Network group on LinkedIn a question was asked about key findings in working virtually.

In my experience as a manager, business owner and virtual team member the following ten points have shown up time and time again.

Good virtual collaboration doesn't just happen but it needs working on and constant nurturing:

1) Goals, milestones and stakeholders have to be REALLY clear.

2) Expectations in terms of group process, responsibilities, feedback mechanisms have to be set up by the WHOLE group if possible.

3) A range of tools should be used to support the process.

4) Commitments to the schedule needs to agreed and carried out by all.

5) People need to have an awareness that not all people will use the tools to the same level / as quickly as other members.

6) Whilst a face to face meeting is great to get to know each other this can be done online or over a phone conference.

7) The group should review every so often the process & performance.

8) If possible someone should take on the role of facilitator / process leader AND it can be a group member if they have the skills required.

9) People should be aware of the cultural dimensions if working on an international project.

10) If you are having communication issues just pick up the phone and talk it through

Andi Roberts facilitates virtual teams and also runs virtual team building courses with teams to allow them get to know each other and lay the foundations for strong virtual team performance once they start working on their common project. Projects can be carried out in English or Spanish, globally or naturally, virtually.