You're managing a virtual team. How can you use Emotional Intelligence to keep everyone on the same page?

When I was leading a global virtual team during the pandemic, there were small but important changes I implemented to ensure belonging and collaboration, using the following EI (emotional intelligence) skills: 1. We checked on each other frequently, not just via video but via a WhatsApp group chat we created. 2. I requested that all be on video; no hiding behind the camera. 3. We would rely on short but frequent chats instead of longer, standard scheduled calls. 4. Flexibility was embedded in how we communicated with e/other, no uncomfortable rules. 5. Infusing fun and optimism kept us going. 6. We developed synergy through compassion and empathy regardless of the distance because we all understood we were all battling our own challenges

Start with Yourself: Leaders set the tone. Model self-awareness by understanding your own emotional triggers and how you handle them. Openly discuss challenges, demonstrating a culture of vulnerability and trust.

Gerenciar uma equipe virtual requer mais do que habilidades técnicas; exige inteligência emocional. Em um ambiente virtual, a comunicação clara e frequente é fundamental para manter todos na mesma página. Um líder emocionalmente inteligente reconhece as emoções dos outros e responde de maneira apropriada, criando um ambiente colaborativo e produtivo. Priorizar a empatia e a comunicação eficaz fortalece o vínculo da equipe, incentivando a coesão e o sucesso conjunto. A inteligência emocional é a chave para liderar equipes virtuais com eficácia e alcançar resultados excepcionais.

I have experienced working with my team virtually on several occasions and found it necessary to keep all engaged for maximum productivity outputs. It is important to maintain proper and clear communication - You need to frequently check if your messages get across correctly and clearly. It is also important to check with all team members if everything is fine with each one of them and to show empathy whenever needed. It is important to meet with the team more often to maintain the collaborative spirit and to check if the team are experiencing challenges so that problems can be sorted out immediately or as they happen. Unlike traditional teams, virtual teams require proper attention and care so they wouldn’t feel isolated and stay involved.

Encourage perspective-taking exercises and casual virtual coffee chats to help employees connect on a human level. Regular check-ins show you truly care about their well-being and project concerns.

An example I have seen is creating mechanisms for offering on going informal feedback in terms of what is working or what is not working. This helps surface issues which could implode later . It also helps build a culture of candor within the team.

A inteligência emocional desempenha um papel fundamental nesse contexto, permitindo que líderes compreendam e respondam às emoções da equipe de maneira positiva e construtiva. Ao demonstrar empatia e compreensão, os líderes podem manter todos na mesma página, mesmo diante de desafios imprevistos ou mudanças rápidas. A capacidade de se adaptar é essencial; os líderes devem estar abertos a novas ideias e prontos para ajustar as estratégias conforme necessário. Ao adotar uma abordagem centrada nas pessoas e na resiliência, os líderes podem fortalecer o vínculo da equipe e manter um alto nível de desempenho, mesmo em circunstâncias difíceis.

I've learned empathy is key. It's not just about skills but understanding each other's perspectives. My approach: - Encourage open dialogue. - Regularly check in on team well-being. - Foster an environment where mistakes are seen as growth opportunities. This nurtures a team's emotional intelligence collectively.

I believe in creating a team identity - who are we, what is our inspiring purpose beyond profit and what are our values. Establish this with your team and keep it part of regular conversations and meetings to keep it current and relevant. This creates a way of working that sits under the emotional intelligence umbrella because it encourages the team to behave with emotional intelligence and in consideration of values and purpose.

With a virtual team, keeping in sync is crucial. Utilize Emotional Intelligence by understanding everyone's personal styles. Consider using style assessments to determine what motivates the team, what irritates them, and how to apply these insights in daily interactions. I highly recommend Everything DiSC by Wiley as a valuable tool for better understanding each other and working more effectively. The goal is to make teamwork function and thrive, even when working remotely."