Virtual team leaders need to follow the same protocols for team success as their F2F counterparts by helping the team to do the following.
Define the goal and be sure there is team consensus.
Virtual team members should all be involved in developing the goal as a way to enhance their ownership and successful attainment of the goal.
Define members' roles.
Develop schedules (including meeting schedules), timelines, and due dates.
Establish processes and protocols.
Determine report out and feedback process.
Agree on the technology that will be used for team communication and establish that everyone is comfortable with it and skilled at using it.
Maintain a sense of dynamic interaction with the team to eliminate any issues with procrastination that might arise due to geographic isolation.
