Committed to the development of people and organizations

Virtual Teaming Programme

The ability to work effectively in teams has long been an important part of all companies’ strategies for business success. Whilst there is still a major place for the traditional team in the modern business world, there is also the need for teams that can be created in a short period of time, to exploit specific market opportunities. Indeed, more and more companies are beginning to collaborate in order to achieve a client's objectives. Moreover, this collaboration often includes the Client Company themselves, as they are clearly best placed to understand their own requirements. Whilst these teams can form within one organization, increasingly they are a result of companies working together in co-operative, dynamic alliances or partnerships set up to achieve more complex objectives.

It is in this new business culture that the 'virtual team' exists. Teams of specialists, brought together to carry out a specific task, who may be separated by any number of factors. These may include geographical obstacles, language, working practices, organizational structures and culture. Some of these factors are of course dealt with in more traditional teams as relationships within the team develop, but similar development, particularly at a personal level, is not a luxury usually afforded to a virtual team.

To maximise their resources in this environment companies need to develop new styles of co-operative working practices, enabling teams to exist in an environment that transcends the cultures and working practices of their individual organizations. It is only by removing the constraints placed upon individuals, by the cultures and working practices of their parent organization, that the true business value of this form of working may be realised.

CPA and TFC have taken their wealth of expertise concerning team dynamics, how teams form and develop, and applied it to this environment. Our Virtual Teaming Programme has been designed to provide a platform of awareness and knowledge around the concept of Virtual Teams. Complimentary modules focusing on building skills and specific management techniques have been added to allow a flexible offering that can be targeted at the specific needs of the business.

The Programme covers all areas pertinent to virtual teams including:

• Why Virtual Teams exist, what stages do they go through and what are the key roles that ensure that they are effective;

• What needs to be in place to allow the Virtual Team to function smoothly;

• How communication processes can enhance the Virtual Team environment;

• Skill building based on enhancing personal interactions utilising a number of specific techniques relevant to the management of, and participation in, virtual teams;

• A process of Domain Analysis, which enables individuals to examine where and how to apply the learning in the workplace;

• The development of specific team actions and personal development plans.

Target Audience

The Virtual Teaming Programme will benefit any organization involved in utilising Virtual teams. Common types of virtual teams, who have benefited from the our Virtual Teaming Workshops include: