Creating successful virtual teams in a new age.

• Author: Isaacs, Leigh
• Position: Book review

A Manager's Guide to Virtual Teams

Author: Yael Zofi

Publisher: AMACOM

Publication Date: 2011

Length: 272 pages

Price: $27.95

ISBN-13: 978-0814416594

Source: www.amacombooks.org

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The days of the traditional office setting are nearing extinction. Today, the workplace dynamic comprises virtual, diverse, geographically dispersed teams of individuals. With mobile devices, remote network access, and online collaboration tools, employees can be productive anywhere.

But, although technology provides the foundation that allows virtual teams to collaborate effectively, it is not the only key to their success. In A Manager's Guide to Virtual Teams, author Yael Zofi writes that the human connection continues to be the key driver for business success.

Her book, therefore, focuses on conquering the obstacles to developing the collegial aspects of virtual teams and offers common sense insights for making the transition from traditional management techniques to those that produce results in the virtual world.

Establishing Personal Connections

Zofi writes that the same technology that allows organizations to reap the benefits of diversity and leverage widespread talent and resources can also present an impediment to creating the dynamic of teams of yesteryear with their personal, face-to-face, relationship-building connections.

A Manager's Guide to Virtual Teams takes readers through the various aspects of managing a virtual team--from identifying the initial stages of team development, to establishing effective communication strategies, developing accountability, defusing conflict, overcoming roadblocks, and getting deliverables out the door.

Zofi reminds readers that it is no longer adequate or meaningful for managers to be agents of change- virtual managers must be "agents of connection." They must use their energy to connect the team and to identify creative ways in which to build a collegial atmosphere of trust and energy that once developed organically.

She also writes that it is important for team members to feel they are a part of something larger and purposeful and have a meaningful connection not only to their fellow teammates, but also to the work that they are performing.

Real-world, actual case studies of challenges encountered by...