In The Strange Beauty of Virtual Teams, Jessica Lipnack and Jeffrey Stamps laud the success rate of virtual teams in the business world, saying that they tend work "under-budget," "ahead of schedule," and produce "breakthrough results." Using virtual teams eliminates commuter costs, and allows collaboration over broad distances, decreasing the time it takes to coordinate a project and facilitating focused communication.
When looking at the positives of virtual teams, the idea does seem enticing and innovative in the scope of the current technological setting. Everything is available with the click of a button: long reports can be sent in scannable, searchable PDFs or a company representative can update its client from across the country. Every day technology grows at a pace that makes everything easier, faster, better. In this climate, virtual teams seem to be the next logical step in keeping employees and executives up-to-date with the times. The caveat to virtual teams however is to make sure that the value of face-to-face, in-person communication isn't lost.
Working in the same space, or within a short walk's distance is something that can never be replaced. Working together in the same physical space allows team members to see how other members act and interact with others. This refers to situations outside of the realm of strictly work-related business. Over the internet, you can easily send work assignments back and forth quickly. Despite this advantage, you don't really "know" the person fully. Their likes and dislikes, hobbies and general demeanor allow you to know how to approach a person and see what angle that person is taking in approaching their work. This kind of understanding is absolutely invaluable.
What Harry Means to Me
12 years ago
That's really true. I also think it is true that virtual workplace is cost effective, but in-person communication worth more than that. Working is more than just completing tasks, and like you said at the end of your post, those interactions are very important in work places to achieve greater result.
ReplyDeleteWhile virtual teams do have the many advantages, I agree with your point about losing that personal contact with the people you work with. Also, working from home is totally different than working in the office -- more distractions and less interaction.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Charlie. Reminds me of "Up in the Air" where George Clooney fights desperately to stop the inevitable transition from face-to-face, er "business meetings" to online-sessions...
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Even though online team meeting is very convenience, people should meet each other. And virtual meeting with screen will help eliminate this kind of problem.
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