Question

Explain how you would use the life cycle model of virtual teams to help you lead a virtual team to successfully accomplish its goals.

Answer 1

Virtual teams are different from traditional collocated teams. Technology mediates the stages of virtual teams. By using the lifecycle model, managers can employ specific tactics relevant to each stage

For each stage virtual managers can do the following:

• Forming—During the this stage, everyone is excited about the new project. This is the time for the managers to define expectations and ground rules for who does what, when and with what technology. Virtual managers should define from the start which technologies are appropriate for which tasks.
• Storming—At this stage, members are usually in conflict about expectations, work style and most commonly about communication when the team is virtual. This stage shall be made as brief as possible and virtual managers must establish guidelines and model appropriate behavior about how to resolve interpersonal conflicts. Managers should motivate and refocus the team on its goals and objectives.
• Norming—By this stage people become comfortable with each other and their roles.Mmanagers must monitor virtual teams for following the processes and standards and intervene as needed.
• Performing—At this phase the team is working at full potential, meeting their individual and team goals. Virtual mangers should remove any roadblocks and equip members the with tools, facilities etc that they need to keep working.
• Adjourning—During this stage, the team concludes the project. By this time members may experience stress about stressed deadlines and may be wondering about future road map. Managers should recognize accomplishments, reward performers, set case in point examples evaluate lessons learned and provide clear direction for what’s coming up next.