Virtual teams rely on technology to interact with each other and share information and as the team manager you need to lead by example and demonstrate excellent technical skills.

You want to be able to select the right tools and platforms for your team and match each task or interaction type to the most appropriate mode of communication.  As team leader you should be a competent user and be able to stay calm and trouble-shoot when technology lets you down.

Select a relatively small number of tools that can be used regularly and consistently but also be aware of how individual team members prefer to communicate.  You might find you get a faster response from some colleagues by using an Instant Chat function while others prefer the human contact of a quick Skype call.

Virtual team managers need to consider how they adapt and expand their skills to adjust to the lack of human interaction – they need additional skills but they also need to be aware of how and when they use the skills they have.

Successful virtual leaders and project managers are going to be in demand!