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I was recently asked how I would lead a team that is dispersed globally? It is something that I have done in the past, so I know some of the things that work, and some things that don’t. Now that I’ve had more time to reflect, I would add a couple of items I didn’t discuss when asked the question.
Here are four principles to enhance team cohesiveness whether the team is dispersed or not.
Principle 1 – Trust
A team cannot operate effectively unless there is trust with the leader and among the team members. Each member needs to know that they are in an environment where they can share their thoughts and concerns and know that it is safe. They need to know that they can talk openly about issues in a way that will lead to discussion and resolution. This approach helps to build a connected culture.
Principle 2 – Connection
Connection is one of the components the brain needs to thrive according to research outlined by Dr. Henry Cloud. If team members are vulnerable and their hearts are connected, they will depend on each other and will work well together. So how do you do this with a dispersed team?
One of my friends owns a company that has 15-minute daily huddles among leadership team members along with each division having their own. Some team members like them, but not all divisions do. My friend is still trying to figure out why the meetings aren’t effective in some divisions.
One aspect of effective touch-point meetings is to create an environment where team members feel safe about discussing issues without the potential for negative consequences.
All of this is certainly more challenging in a dispersed environment. I have found that frequent touch-point meetings along with regularly scheduled times to get together is a great way to stay connected. In addition, technology makes it much easier to connect with WebEx or Skype calls where you can see the people with whom you are communicating.
Principle 3 – Alignment
It’s critical in a team setting, especially with a dispersed team, for each member to know what he or she needs to accomplish. Each member needs to have goals that are integrated with other team member goals and know how it drives the ultimate result that is desired. The goals need to be SMART – Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic and Time-based.
This enables transparency among team members and drives alignment, as each member knows how the goals of all team members fit together to reach the desired result.
Principle 4 – Accountability
This is especially important with a dispersed team. Team members need to be held accountable for their particular goals and how it drives the overall result. In order to be effective, they need to be given the authority to accomplish their goals.
I remember being in a situation where I was accountable for a goal where I was not given authority to be able to accomplish it. I was in a situation where I couldn’t control the outcome. It was both frustrating and ineffective.
Leaders need to make sure they create an environment where the person who is accountable for the result can control the outcome.
Dispersed teams require more diligence on the part of the leader to ensure that these four principles are followed.
Share Your Thoughts: What steps have you taken to drive cohesiveness with a dispersed team?