Slack and WhatsApp, Trello, Google Hangouts, and Trello have all made it easy for teams around the world to collaborate. These tools boost productivity because team members no longer need to rearrange their schedules and commute to the same location to manage tasks. Everything can be done via chat or messaging.
Many managers worry that online tools can boost productivity but also weaken relationships within the team. How can employees "bond", when they are just blips in each other's screen? Can a Virtual Team have RealTeamwork?
Vincent H. Domine is an Adjunct Professor at INSEAD and he has an interesting response to this question. In his article Team development in the era of Slack, he believes it is possible to use digital tool to foster teamwork and skills. Because yes, being a part of a team is a skill. We'll look at his main points.
Group chats help create a team identity
Many teams are multi-functional. Now, people from different departments and positions must work together to achieve a common goal. Working on the same project does not automatically make you feel part of the team. This is especially true in large companies that have a hierarchical structure with many silos. They need the time and opportunity to develop a group identity.
Slack, and other chat platforms, create a new neutral ground. Teams can create purposeful group chats, develop their own workflows, and establish routines. Daily interactions can help build trust and familiarity – often more so than emails and rushed meetings.
The Like Button Can Build Psychological Safety
Psychological safety is a major contributor to team performance. It is important that people feel comfortable to share their ideas, take risks and provide honest feedback. We need to eliminate negativity from the workplace: backstabbing and exclusion. We also need to encourage positivity. They want to be appreciated for all their hard work. They want to feel respected, valued and heard.
Not everyone feels comfortable receiving or sharing praise in person. Domine makes the point in his article that it can feel awkward and even seem too personal. The "like" button, which appears on nearly every online platform, circumvents this obstacle. The team can give and receive kudos without embarrassment.
The platforms create a feedback mechanism
Feedback is essential to the development of both team and individual skills. The feedback should not be restricted to annual vague performance reviews or bull sessions (which are usually done only when a problem reaches critical levels). Feedback should be constant , andcustomized for each individual.
Online tools can be a cost-effective and convenient way to make feedback a regular component of the team building process of your team. This can be done in an informal way by a leader of the team checking up on members using personal charts. HR can lead the initiative by sending surveys to assess team morale and disposition.
We can go one step further. I was inspired to create Grow when I realized that online tools would allow people to support and mentor each other. Why not use chat to discuss our goals and aspirations? We can use chat to coordinate a project. Why not use it for collaboration and to contribute to each others' personal goals and growth?
So grow is a platform that helps teams and individuals. Every day, people can access tools and resources that are based on practical and sound leadership development principles. They can identify their individual or team strengths and weaknesses, receive feedback, set goals for themselves, and drive their own development. You can use it at home, during a lunch break in the office or on a long commute. They can send messages and create chats. They can encourage each other, track individual and team progress, and bounce ideas back and forth. Slack is like having a coach but without the hassle.
To answer your question, yes virtual teams can work together. It takes effort, time and intention to make the most of the tools. Technology can help make life easier, but humans are what make the difference.
Grow can be used by teams to help them practice and guide their development. You can contact us to learn more about Grow and how it can help your team grow by using the form below.
Original published by Rudi Ramin on LinkedIn
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important types of marketing?
Marketing is the act and communication of ideas, values, messages, and information to consumers. We often use the term marketing interchangeably with advertising. Marketing goes beyond advertising. Marketing includes all forms of communication that promote and market a product or service.
Marketing is comprised of branding, promotion, as well as distribution. Branding is the way a company presents itself to its target audiences. Promotion is the act or obtaining attention for your brand using paid advertisements, promotional materials, and public relations. Distribution is the process of getting your message out to your target audience. You can do it through traditional media like radio, television, print, or email. However, new technologies make this easier than ever.
What are the 5 marketing concepts?
The following five marketing concepts can be used:
- Branding is a way to project a positive image of yourself. It is what people think of when they hear your name. You must create a consistent brand identity across all media.
- Positioning: Your market positioning is what you do. How do you describe who you are, and why should anyone care?
- Message- This is your message's main content. What is your point? Why should anyone buy from you?
- Marketing mix – This includes channels, pricing, promotions, and other marketing tools that help you reach your target audience.
- How can you measure success with measurement?
How does search engine optimization work?
Search Engine Marketing, also known as SEM (Search Engine Marketing), is a vital component of digital advertising. SEM includes paid advertising, sponsored ads, display ads and paid inclusion. It also includes search engine optimization (SEO), mobile marketing, social media marketing, video advertising, mobile advertising, and other related services.
Statistics
- This allows us to deliver CPCs that are 80% less than average and CTRs 4-5 times higher than average. (marketinginsidergroup.com)
- A poll earlier this year found that 14% of older Gen Z's had bought an item in the previous six months based on an influencer's recommendation. (influencermarketinghub.com)
- 81% of brands employ affiliate marketing, and eCommerce sites are particularly good candidates. (blog.hubspot.com)
- Many experts recommend you share 20% of your promotional content and 80% of other valuable content you find. (marketinginsidergroup.com)
- In 2017, 34% of marketers cited co-branding as the most effective way to increase the number of email subscribers. (influencermarketinghub.com)
External Links
influencermarketinghub.com
youtube.com
statista.com
moz.com
- SEO Learning Center, Moz
- [Case Studies] How Moz ranked #1 for a high-volume Keyword in 3 Months or Less
How To
Six types of Ecommerce Marketing
How do I market my eCommerce store?
Ecommerce marketing is one of the most challenging marketing tasks. You need to learn about your customers' buying patterns and how they interact with you products and services. This knowledge will enable you to develop a strategy that helps you reach your goals.
There are six types eCommerce marketing strategies.
- Product Strategy – The first step to deciding what product you want online is to determine your product type. There are three main categories: physical goods (things), digital goods (services), and membership sites. After you've chosen which category of goods you want to work with you will need decide whether you offer wholesale or regular retail prices. Wholesale pricing means that you set the price at which your products are sold, while retail pricing means that customers pay directly for your products.
- Pricing Strategy – Next, you need to figure out how much you want to make from selling your products. You should consider profit margins, competition, shipping costs, taxes, etc. Two ways to increase profits are possible when pricing your strategy: reduce your cost per sales and/or increase the volume of your sales.
- Promotion Strategy: Now comes what? Your business needs a promotion plan that is most effective. You can offer free shipping, special discounts or coupons. If you don’t have any ideas for promotional products, brainstorm some.
- Shipping Strategy – Once you have figured out how to market your products, it is time to consider how you will get them to customers. What shipping method do you use? Will you use a fulfillment company or will you be doing it all yourself?
- Merchandise Management System: Your merchandise management software includes software that allows you to manage inventory, track orders and fulfill orders. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose from a variety of systems.
- Customer Service Strategy – Finally, you must create a customer service strategy that is effective for your business. What support options are available? Will they be via email or phone? Are customers able to contact you via chat, email, social media, and even postal mail?
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By: Kiss Tañedo
Title: Team Development In The Digital World
Sourced From: grow360.com/blog/team-development-in-the-digital-world
Published Date: Tue, 09 Jun 2020 04:17:00 +0000