How to make a task a learning platform for your team members?

Work together effectively, even when you're in different locations. Marissa is a skilled professional who works as part of a virtual team. Her teammates are all experts, and she enjoys being part of such a diverse and intelligent group. However, she finds the virtual side of her work challenging. She collaborates closely with two colleagues on specific tasks, but she has found it hard to build relationships with other teammates. Many of Marissa's co-workers are located in different countries, and they rely heavily on email, instant messaging, and video chat to communicate. She has often caught herself jumping to conclusions or misinterpreting emails, because she's unable to communicate with her colleagues in person. As a result, team interactions can be strained and unsure, and conflicts can arise, which has resulted in some tension within the group. If you're part of a virtual team, then Marissa's situation may sound familiar. Virtual teams are commonplace. But, while they offer flexibility, increased job satisfaction, and higher productivity, virtual teams also come with a number of challenges that, if not addressed, can undermine goals, relationships, and team effectiveness. In this article, we'll look at how you can work successfully in a virtual team. Virtual Teams Today In a study published by the Academy of Management Executive, the authors describe a virtual team as a "group of people who work independently with shared purpose across space, time, and organization boundaries, using technology to communicate and collaborate." As such, virtual teams allow organizations to bring together people with the best expertise, regardless of where they live. The number of people engaged in virtual work continues to rise each year: The Telework Research Network states that there are currently2.9 million full-time virtual workers in the U.S. This is a61 percent increase since2005. One survey found that44 percent of U.S. companies plan to increase their virtual workforce in the coming years. A study conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management reports that37 percent of organizations have experienced an increase in the number of requests for "flexible work arrangements." Statistical Indicators Benchmarking the Information Society (SIBIS) found that13 percent of the total population of the EU can be classified as virtual workers. Alongside Germany, the U.K. leads the EU in the number of virtual workers. The BBC estimates that1.3 million U.K. people work virtually full time, and that3.7 million people do so part time. Virtual teams can consist of professionals who work from home Add to My Personal Learning Plan full or part time, others who take part in mobile work (coming to a fixed office but working outside this space for part of the week), or people who work at a remote location. Challenges Working in a virtual team presents many challenges. When you can't see your colleagues face-to-face, and you can't have the social interactions that build relationships and rapport, it can be difficult to establish trust. If it isn't managed correctly, this lack of trust can undermine everything that the virtual team is trying to achieve. Another major challenge is communication, especially when a virtual team includes members from different countries and cultures. Communicating by email, IM, or telephone can be difficult, because there are no visual cues (such as body language Add to My Personal Learning Plan or facial expressions) to help people understand one-another and build trust. Last, it can be more difficult to voice your opinion in a virtual team, and it can be harder to resolve team conflict Add to My Personal Learning Plan , which can increase misunderstanding and tension. Working Effectively in a Virtual Team There are many tools and strategies that you can use to work successfully in a virtual team. We look at these below. Communication Effective communication is important within a virtual team. Open, honest communication not only helps you avoid misunderstandings, but it will also increase your effectiveness. To find out how well you communicate, and to get tips on how to improve your weakest areas, take our interactive quiz, "How Good Are Your Communication Skills? Add to My Personal Learning Plan " Next, use the7Cs of Communication Add to My Personal Learning Plan as a checklist to make sure that your emails, presentations, and IMs are as clear and courteous as possible. An important part of communicating clearly is knowing how to listen. Always use active listening Add to My Personal Learning Plan skills when someone else is speaking, and never multitask when you're listening. Give the other person your full attention; not only will you understand them better, it's also a sign of respect and courtesy. Tools such as Skype® and other virtual meeting platforms present different communication challenges. Keep in mind that your team members' Internet connection might not be as fast as yours, so speak slowly and clearly. Try to speak as if everyone is in the room with you, and encourage people to ask for clarification if they miss something, or if the sound quality is poor. Also, try not to interrupt when others are speaking. If you work in a global team, learn good cross-cultural communication Add to My Personal Learning Plan skills. Our article on Avoiding Cross-Cultural Faux Pas Add to My Personal Learning Plan helps you avoid unintended or embarrassing mistakes with

just being a leader we should allow each and every member to participate and one should not be let down. we can take an example of football in this each and every person are important everyone will be playing for same goal.

I agree with khaled elkholy HR MANAGER

In the ITES  industry the process changes at the whims of the client. Today u work for a bank tomorrow you could be working for a telecom co or a technical help desk for computers. 

So I have to make my new team members understand this fact and make the task of changing process a learning experience for the team members. 

It is difficult as once u get used to a process and excel at  it , it is difficult if some one asks u to learn a new skill or face the PINK SLIP. 

Agree with all experts ....   I really get a lot of knowledge thanks to all.

Be well planned, Functions scientifically and systematically arranged, Well defined authorities and responsibilities and time-bound.

Through continuous development and training that meet the company's goals support your team to work better

A task is something that needs to be done or achieved at the end of the team, and when the task completion involves a team, the participation of each member is important. How do you ensure each team member participation? by understanding the background of each member in terms of skill sets, and adding each task process tagged to a team member or members i.e group work. Last but not least feedback after the task completion to the team and feedback of what has been learned or the challenges faced.

I agree with the experts answer. thank you 

Looking at the posts of others, I have nothing more to add

I endorse previous answers, as already answered well.