Can a virtual team be as effective as a co-located team?  This is a question that organizations are debating, and the arguments on both sides are very compelling.  Factors like work-life balance and organizational savings need to be balanced with the value of face-to-face collaboration and managerial oversight.  Whether you personally embrace the concept or not, chances are you will participate as a virtual team member during your career.

The reality is, a virtual team can be very effective if the correct conditions are met and maintained.  It’s about putting together the right personalities, ensuring they have the right tools, and leading the team successfully.  InSync Training began as a virtual team when you didn’t hear about working from home, and in 15 years has expanded to a virtual team with 60+ members working all hours from all over the world. We have a lot of experience to share.

After discussing the arguments for and against establishing a virtual team, this workshop will use real-life examples to address six key enablers for success:
 

• How to form the virtual team:  Identifying the profile of an effective virtual team and its players, and how to engage existing team members in selecting new team members
• How to enable the virtual team: Ensuring the right technologies and processes are in place to ensure success
• How to maintain the virtual team:  Creating inter-reliability, trust, and teamwork
• How to protect the virtual team:  Identifying and managing issues before they become destructive
• How to lead the virtual team: Establishing credibility while maintaining the right balance of oversight and empowerment
• How to reward the virtual team:  Creating team building opportunities across the distance

Jennifer Hofmann, mastermind behind virtual classroom best practices and blended learning pioneer, is Founder and President of InSync Training. Her entirely virtual consulting firm specializes in the design and delivery of engaging, innovative, and effective modern blended learning. Under Jennifer’s expert leadership, Inc. 500|5000 named InSync training the 10th Fastest Growing Education Company in the U.S. in 2013, the 20th Fastest Growing Education Company in 2014, and to their Inc. 5000 list for four consecutive years. Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network, Forbes Most Powerful Women Issue, The NativeAdVantage, and Goldman Sachs 10000 Small Businesses have all recognized her entrepreneurial drive. Jennifer has written, and contributed to, a number of well-received and highly-regarded books including: The Synchronous Trainer’s Survival Guide: Facilitating Successful Live Online Courses, Meetings, and Events, Live and Online!: Tips, Techniques, and Ready to Use Activities for the Virtual Classroom, and Tailored Learning: Designing the Blend That Fits with Dr. Nanette Miner. In 2017, The Association for Talent Development (ATD) will release her book Blended Learning: What Works.