Customer Reviews

Mastering Virtual Teams: Strategies, Tools, and Techniques That Succeed (Jossey Bass Business and Management Series)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was disappointed by the lack of real world examples. Most of the examples were "human resource groups". Now, to be sure, there are many really fine checklists for managers included in this book. Although they are basic, most managers find them useful and thought provoking.
Unfortunately, as with most books on virtual teams, the authors have not focused on the critical operations which use virtual teaming: marketing, sales, program/project management. This book also neglects to leave the reader with a future focus --like: what is the new work and how will the businesses have to 'virtually' restructure or lose the "command and control" model of management.

Duarte and Synder provide thorough coverage of the tools and techniques required for effective use of virtual teams. The writing style is basic, here's-what-to-do stuff, offering 'x' critical success factors, abundant check lists, and tables comparing alternatives, such as video or electronic displays. From my experience, they are right on target for team leaders and team members.

Interspersed are jewels of wisdom. For example: communication and collaboration are the two most important factors in team success; sometimes it's better to wait until team members get to know one another as dependable and competent before initiating in-depth team building; trust depends on performance and competence, integrity, and concern for the well-being of others; information overload can slow down a team's decision-making process. I was pleased to find they documented that video conferencing requires a different skill set than running regular meetings.

I sometimes yearned for more real life stories and persuasive arguments, in other words, a less formulaic style. But that's my bias as a reader and not their intent.

The authors provide an excellent treatment of the problems associated with starting and maintaining virtual teams. An excellent concise presentation of working with differences in culture is presented. Many technology alternatives to facilitate group interaction and collaboration are also presented. The strengths and weaknesses of each technology are given for several different problem solving situations. I would recommend this book to anyone who must solve problems with others who are off site.

The authors provide a thorough review of research and best practices in managing distributed teams. They draw upon research and ideas from all relevant disciplines including organizational development, psychology, training, project management and several others. The insight they glean from those is quite impressive.

There's a wealth of information in this book. In fact, it gets me excited to work on a virtual team (given we actually incorporate the suggestions). Included are many exercises and templates for going through them correctly - you probably won't need them all but it's nice that they're available.

Side note, the "Sara" character has increasingly surprising insights and valuable lessons learned.

I recommend you get the latest version, whatever that is, since many of the referenced technologies will probably be oudated if you don't.

The authors do a fantastic job of giving good high level strategy while giving useful detailed operational information.I have already found the content useful in my global virtual teaming.

It's a pleasure to finally find a book that treats the subject of virtual teaming--so important for success of any international business--in a way that is most practical and effective for learning and adaptation. It's evident that the book's authors have significant experience in solving real-world business issues. I've learned a lot. Great book!