Management Tip of the Day: Choose the Right Tools to Communicate With Your Virtual Team

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 Choose the Right Tools to Communicate With Your Virtual Team Far-flung teams rely on technology to communicate. But do you really need the most cutting-edge software to do so? Here are three rules to follow when selecting the tools your virtual team needs to collaborate from afar: Keep it simple. You want something that doesn't require complex setup time or a steep learning curve. Your team should be focused on the message, not the medium. Focus on reliability. You don't want to worry about whether your message gets through. Do your research, and select tools that people trust will work. Make it accessible. Virtual teams often work from several locations — meeting rooms, field offices, airports, even coffee shops. Choose things that work anywhere team members might want to use them. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Managing a Virtual Team" by Mark Mortensen and Michael O'Leary Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT 11 Rules for Creating Value in the Social Era HBR Press Book Social strategist and insightful blogger Nilofer Merchant argues that "social" is much more than "media." Smart companies are letting social become the backbone of their business models, increasing their speed and flexibility by pursuing openness and fluidity. These organizations don't operate like the powerful "800-pound gorillas" of yesteryear — but instead act more like a herd of 800 gazelles, moving together across a savannah, outrunning the competition. This ebook offers new rules for creating value, leading, and innovating in our rapidly changing world. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Ask for More Before Granting a Favor Create a Vision that Motivates Your Team Manage a Diverse and Dispersed Team Why Projects Work Better than Interviews Decide If Travel Is Really Worth It Make Your Big Idea Happen Say No to Extra Work Build a Better Innovation Team Make a Critical Trade-Off Stop Checking Up on Your Employees All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)