EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

 

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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Advantages of Working on Virtual Teams

            Working on virtual teams has many advantages, including cost savings for the organization. Cost saving comes when the company saves on funds required to set up an office space for physical engagement. Secondly, virtual teams have flexibility in terms of life and work considerations (Davidavičienė et al., 2020). Individuals have flexibility while working on these virtual teams. Thirdly, there is an increment in productivity as the working hours are flexible and the issue of workers commuting to work is eradicated. Another important aspect of having virtual work is decreasing competition among workers in the workplace environment. Lastly, members from different departments and locations collaborate when working in a virtual environment.

Challenges of Working in Virtual Environment

            One of the challenges of working in a virtual environment is technical problems when the technology is not working. Secondly, there is another problem of working in a virtual environment: cultural differences among the people working in this environment. Thirdly, the issue of time differences due to the zones also presents difficulties to the workers in the virtual environment. The difference in time zones might interfere with the worker’s sleeping and working times. Communication barrier is another problem that affects individuals in the virtual environment due to their lack of physical touch. Lack of inclusivity and openness might occur among the team members in this virtual work environment.

Overcome the Problems of Working in a Virtual Environment

            The challenge of working on virtual teams could be overcome by implementing the necessary collaboration of the members. Collaboration among the virtual team players helps eradicate communication challenges in the virtual environment. Likewise, there is a need to consider the establishment of necessary guidelines for the teams to follow in the online environment.

How to Effectively Communicate Online

            For people to communicate effectively through the online platform, there is a need to create guidelines to help people through the process. Guidelines are essential in creating expectations for everyone in their online communication. Secondly, another tip for communicating online is through video in the meetings. Someone should ensure the video is turned on during online communication (Weekdone, 2020). Thirdly, there is a need to consider using software to improve online communication. For instance, an internal chat software could be utilized to help in the online communication. The other way to communicate effectively in the online environment is by ensuring that someone is having some fun outside of work. Fun is essential as members need to meet, get engaged, and know each other outside their workplace setting. Lastly, there is a need for regular one-on-ones among the members.

Importance of Good Communication

            Good communication is essential in virtual teams due to its adequate provision of success among the team members. Likewise, it enhances the members to promote the culture of working together in the work environment. Good communication helps increase teamwork in the virtual environment.

Example and Experience

            An instance of a virtual work environment was when I was involved in a virtual group project with other members. The communication could have been more comfortable among the members, leading to the decline of the project delivery. The experience was challenging among the members due to the need for oneness in the project delivery. Lack of communication leads to the decline of the delivery process.

Suggestion for Improving Communication on Virtual Teams

            One suggestion for improving communication while working on a virtual team is matching technology to the tasks. Secondly, there is the solution of being inclusive and open during the virtual working periods (Hill & Bartol, 2018). Lastly, being responsive and supportive is another essential suggestion for improving virtual team communication. The reason for choosing these suggestions is that they would make the members come together while improving their cooperation while working together.

 

REFERENCES

Davidavičienė, V., Al Majzoub, K., & Meidute-Kavaliauskiene, I. (2020). Factors affecting knowledge sharing in virtual teams. Sustainability, 12(17), 6917.

Hill, N.S, & Bartol. K, M. (2018). Five Ways to Improve Communication in Virtual Teams. https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/five-ways-to-improve-communication-in-virtual-teams/

Weekdone. (2020). Virtual Team Communication Tips | Weekdone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbT-rmoGxJ4