Leading Dispersed Teams

In today's fast-paced business world, organizations are moving away from a reliance on traditional project team structures. Project Managers need to have a solid grasp on how to run projects with team members who are in different physical locations than themselves. Our course on Leading Dispersed Teams is designed to help you navigate this new leadership challenge.

How You Will Benefit

• Gain understanding of how Dispersed Teams work with one another
• Learn the various reasons why organizations choose to use remote/virtual teams
• Receive insights for how to structure a Dispersed Team
• Improve your knowledge of how to overcome the challenges of leading a Dispersed Team

What You Will Learn

In this course you will learn the foundational concepts of leading Dispersed Teams including:

• Definition of a Dispersed Team
• How Dispersed Teams interact
• The benefits to Dispersed Teams and why projects and companies use them
• Why teamwork is a vital concept
• The challenges of leading a Dispersed Team and how to overcome them

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for project managers who work in teams with one or more remote team members and are seeking to further develop and refine their leadership skills.

Format

Duration / PDU Value

This course has been approved by PMI for 2.5 PDUs.

Outline

Introduction

• Course Overview

What are Dispersed Teams?

• Definition
• Examples of Dispersed Teams

How do Dispersed Teams Interact?

• Limited face-to-face contact
• Limited or challenged communication
• Limited interpersonal communication
• Limited knowledge transfer

Reasons to use a Dispersed Team

• Project may be global
• Resources needed from different geographical areas
• Efficient use of time
• Cost savings
• ADA compliance
• Better decision making

What Challenges Exist?

• Communication
• Technology
• Time zones
• Lack of trust
• Decision making
• Cultural differences
• Tracking progress
• Feelings of isolation

The Importance of Teamwork

• Teamwork increases performance
• Improved relationships
• Increases trust/ learning opportunities
• Better work environment
• Teams self-monitor
• Teams learn and innovate quicker

How to Overcome Challenges

• Establish a culture of teamwork
• Communication
• Team structure
• Technology and time zones
• Team builders

Summary

• Dealing with successes and failures
• Course summary