Includes index.

Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- 1: Three stages of virtual team development -- 2: Setting up your virtual team -- 3: Context communication: definitions and challenges -- 4: Developing accountability in a virtual world -- 5: Defusing conflict and overcoming roadblocks -- 6: Getting deliverables out the door -- 7: Cross-cultural communications and virtual teams -- 8: Virtual teams and the future -- Appendix: Eight characteristics of high-performing virtual teams -- Index.

From the Dust Jacket: In the past, managing workplace teams came with potential problems, but most could be easily resolved. Fast-forward to today's technologically linked world of virtual teams and it's a completely different picture. In today's world, teams aren't just the folks who report to you, along with the IT guy and the marketing whiz. Teams are spread across countries, time zones, languages, cultures, and more. And managing these disparate, far-flung teams is exponentially more complex and fraught with the potential to derail at any moment. A Manager's Guide to Virtual Teams is a road-map for bridging the logistical, cultural, and communication gaps that can prevent virtual teams from reaching their full potential-and a life-saver for anyone charged with delivering results from a dispersed team. Filled with self-study exercises, activities, and valuable advice based on the author's 20 years of consulting experience and hard-won wisdom from virtual team managers and members, the book explores the four most critical elements to team success: Trust and accountability: Uncover 10 crucial tips for creating trust within and across virtual teams. Communication: Learn to navigate the unique challenges of the virtual world, especially in cross-cultural collaborations. Conflict management: Put the examples, case scenarios, and resolution strategies to work building a unified, focused team. Deliverables: Find out how your virtual team can get work out the door faster and better. Technology has made virtual teams an everyday reality, but it hasn't reduced the potential for conflict and confusion-it has amplified the problem. A Manager's Guide to Virtual Teams brings much-needed clarity to the process of leading dispersed teams, and deep insights into how to tap into the team's collective energy to bring fast, effective results.