The bio-living model works well for me, without free-will, as does religious orthodoxy. The use by many of "evangelists" to rally legions of virtual teams is instructive. All of the good points made above point to a code of operation, a doctrine, if you like, well implemented and operated. And all issues raised point to failures within and without team to weather the stresses inherent in interaction, or lack thereof. Hence, a pastor, administering to the flock, a cosistent doctrinal message, immutable under heaven, and applying whatever salve, guidance, encouragement, necessary is the first key step to building a creative and dynamic collection of capability, diaspora or no. Implementing the pastor's role technologically, is I agree, highly problematic if not impossible.

Hi Robin,
for a number of years now I have been experiencing the frustration of virtual teams. To feel used, left out, not informed and the like are typical reactions of team members. Your Manifesto for Networked Business Teams is very accurate and whilst pinpointing the weaknesses, tries to offer workable solutions.

To look to nature to learn from bioteams is a great approach, yet still lacks a few inherently human traits, which I believe can promote virtual teamwork greatly.

The “higher goal” principle
Throughout history many individuals endured great hardships only by keeping a goal in mind. Hunger, thirst, shipwreck, all was endurable to be the first on the American continent. To motivate team members, give them worthwhile goals and do not limit them to project goal. Get them involved and informed about the bigger picture, to be part of a greater endeavour, to create a global outcome, to make a difference, to save the world.

The „recipe” principle
Be specific with the assignment yet do not determine the outcome. Take for example a party buffet and ask your friends to bring something along. Trying to organise this buffet you have decided to ask a friend to bring a desert and another one to bring a salad. Assign him or her to bring the dish but do not hand him of her the recipe! Often the outcome will surprise you.

The “golden rule” principle
Not Confucius’ Version “What you do not want done to you, do not do to others” but the Christian Version “Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them”. If you want to receive information, share information, if you want to receive commendation, share commendation. It is that simple.

The “call-the-doctor” principle
A patient calls the doctor, when he is sick. When team members do not feel well, if they are overlooked, overworked, stressed out etc., they should approach the team coach about it, they should initiate the distress call. Do not expect to be pitied nor noticed.

The “humour” principle
Why are there so many smileys in text chats, because we like to smile and laugh. A lol, rofl and :-) does good. In the same way, share jokes, funny experience and take the team to a humerous outburst at times. It is not that difficult to joke online.

Robin

I dont think we need 5 points - 3 would do for me:

Regards

Ken

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It would make a MASSIVE difference if the team leader was able to replace their 3 dominant (but unhelpful team mental models) with 3 better ones, for example

Move the team from:

1) Clocks to Colonies

Teams are alive beyond the lives of the individual team members. They cannot be deterministically wound up to go faster or keep better time. They can only ‘perturbed’ to encourage them to in a different direction but there are no guarantees!

2) Business Teams to Soccer Teams

We would not think of a soccer team without a manager. Would Manchester United, Barcelona or AC Milan be as successful without coaches. Why do we think a business team would be different?

3) Tourists to Explorers

Teams need tools but if these tools require behavior change then they simply will not work without supporting change management and new work practices. We should think of the team as explorers on a challenging but rewarding journey together with lots of surprises along the way. The package holiday approach to team membership does not produce much!