Category: Virtual Team

The Best Virtual Team Building Activities

Posted on | By evo

Working at home comes with its share of problems. According to full-time remote workers, they record that they get lonely and lose the motivation to keep working. These feelings are brought about due to a lack of coworkers’ physical connection and the change in the working environment. Remote workers agree that there is little or no social bond while working at home, negatively affecting your performance.

To increase employees' productivity while working from home, businesses and organizations develop creative ways to keep their employees motivated.

To increase employees’ productivity while working from home, businesses and organizations develop creative ways to keep their employees motivated. They are investing in virtual team-building activities. These activities are aimed to motivate their employees and create bonds, though online.

Virtual team-building activities provide a break from the usual screen time and engage the employees breaking the monotony of work, which is ideal. We will focus on some virtual team-building activities that you should consider to improve your productivity while working remotely.

Group Chat Socializing

Talking about work every time can be boring for many people. A good ice breaker from the serious stuff is good at drawing you a bit from your work. You can have simple conversations with your team members. Share what you had for lunch, call one another by your nicknames, and a joke or two wouldn’t be bad. Such conversations enable you to bond with your workers bringing about the necessary collegiality while working as a team.

Messy-desk Face-offs

Working at home comes with some freedom as you are not sharing your working space. You can concur that there are some people at work whose desks are always clean and neatly arranged. Funny enough, this is not always the case while working from home. You can decide on one evening to have a snick preview of your desks, and I’m certain that you will be surprised. Some of the least expected people have messy desks at home. This game is a nice activity for you to have some nice bonding and tease one another.

Guess the Emoji Board

You can decide to have a competition in which you guess each other's best emojis

Most of you, if not all, use emojis while texting. For some people, if you send them a text without an emoji, they’d think it’s dry. You can decide to have a competition in which you guess each other’s best emojis. You send a list of all players to all participants to guess their colleagues’ favorite emoji. You’ll be surprised by some of the picks that you will get. This activity is a good bonding experience as you will tell what other people perceive you. You can have a prize for the one who gets the correct guesses, say a lunch treat, or something of the sort.

Two Truths and a Lie

In this game, you have each of you mention three things about themselves, and you let your colleagues guess which two statements are correct and which one is a lie. When everyone is done, you reveal the lie. You can then have scores for each of you and have a prize, say for the top three. This game lets you share some of your attributes and hobbies in a fun way. You get to know one another and have some good bonding time.

Bucket list Sharing

Bucket list sharing is an activity in which you share some of the things you would want to engage in at any point in your life. You can let one person share their bucket list, say every Friday. This activity is a nice way to learn about some of your colleagues’ ambitions and aspirations. It makes you have some connection with those around you, and it can even motivate some of you to work towards their dreams.

It is important to note that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Consider engaging in some of these team-building activities to enhance your productivity and bond with your colleagues.

About the World Cyber Games of the Past

Posted on | By evo

The World Cyber Games were an international competition akin to the Olympics of playing video games. The tournament was open to the world, and it was funded by Samsung and Microsoft. This article explains why it was such a success, and it gave rise to the gaming world known as eSports. There are hundreds of players around the world who are playing in tournaments of this kind, and the World Cyber Games were truly the first.

They brought the world of gaming together regardless of the platform to play games on systems that everyone loves. They honored the past, and they looked forward to the future. This is a look at what makes eSports special, and there are those who will be quite pleased to learn that the gaming community is open and honest with all those in its ranks. They created memories and good times that anyone around the world may have enjoyed.

#1: The eSports Are Born from A Single Event

eSports are the games played by professional gamers in a competitive environment. There are quite a few of these events around the world, and the events feature players combating each other in games that may require one or two players. Certain games are played for the highest of high scores, and other games are played in a head-to-head format. Players competing in the World Cyber Games were playing games across multiple platforms until a champion is crowned. The gold, silver and bronze medal were awarded to the winners of the event, and another game was contested.

The events were split into the ability levels, and all the gamers played each other on an even field. There was quite a lot of fairness built into the games, and they were contested until a true winner was crowned for each game.

#2: Who Plays eSports?

Gamers from all around the world can take part in the world cyber games, or just watch them online.

There are quite a few players around the world who are going to tournaments on an annual basis, and they play games on their chosen console as experts. There may be players who play their games across multiple platforms, and they may be champions of their games on more than one platform. The players who come into eSports are there due to online exposure. They have a name that allows them an opportunity to play games around the world, and they are often on the radar of gaming companies who wish to employ their services.

The players who come to eSports events are often the best in the world at what they do, and they are given an opportunity to prove there is no one better at their game on their system. The World Cyber Games helped prove that, and they brought forth a new era in the eSports world. Some of the best players included:

  • Salvatore Garozzo
  • Johnny Quach
  • Dave Geffon
  • Ronald Kim
  • Kyle Miller

#3: Which Consoles Were Used?

The most-current Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, X-Box and online games were played at tournaments around the world, and the World Cyber Games brought all the different gaming systems into one room. These players often did not face off against one another, and there was a forum where they were able to play each other even though they were on opposite ends of the spectrum. It is quite important that anyone who loves gaming has a look at the formatting of the World Cyber Games. The tournament helped bring every gamer together rather than separating them into their respective systems.

The systems that are represented were some of the most advanced in the world, and the players often used controllers that were designed to make their gaming much easier. They want to build a gaming culture that shares information, and watching the World Cyber Games helps gamers learn how the best of the best work. They offered:

  • Age of Empires
  • Counterstrike
  • FIFA
  • Quake III Arena
  • StarCraft
  • Unreal Tournament
  • Halo
  • Dead or Alive
  • Gears of War
  • Guitar Hero
  • and many others

#4: Watching the Contests Online

There were quite a few contests that were posted online, and each new contest ensures players will see what it means for the world’s best players to face off against one another. These players know all the best tricks, and they are aware of how every game works when it is played to its maximum potential. Players who post their matches online offer insight into the world of gaming at the highest level, and players may attempt to copy what they see online.

Their favorite players will help them learn to play their favorite games, and the World Cyber Games gave way to online video sites that show players in the midst of their best games. Learning to play like a professional is quite simple now that the World Cyber Games have allowed for a vibrant online gaming culture.

#5: The Finest Games Are Released

Gamers from all over the world can take part at the World Cyber Games

The best players in the world have been seen playing new games online, and it is quite important for players to have a look at what the newest games are like. The games released through the World Cyber Games were the best in the world at the time, and it is quite important that players are looking at proper previews of their favorite new games. The previews feature the best players in the world, and the games look much better when they are played by someone who is skilled in the art of gaming. Playing online video games is a skill that may be learned watching the World Cyber Games and their best players.

Anyone who is intrigued by the online gaming community must look for videos of the World Cyber Games as they provide a peek at what the best gamers in the world are capable of, and they may try the tournaments that have replaced the World Cyber Games such as World Gaming, Major League Gaming and eSports events hosts through the XGames.

#6: The 2020 Online Competition

Due to the global corona pandemic, the 2020 competitions could not take place as usual. Instead, the organizers agreed on a solution that was also appropriate for the 21st century – the World Cyber Games 2020 took place entirely online. Because of this, it also received the title “WCG 2020 Connected”. Seoul and Shanghai were the host locations, so it only featured players from Korea and China. This did not diminish the success of the event – it even received 650 million views.

The Best way to Manage a Virtual Team

Posted on | By evo

When companies expand, the teams that work on a global virtual basis also grow. Since time-zones are different and distances are wide, virtual teams need to find new strategies. Virtual global management becomes a way of life; new policies and less formalization are being introduced, yet there is still a need for management in order to get the project done.

Below are 10 strategies virtual team managers should take into consideration when overseeing their team’s accomplishments:

1) Availability – Always be accessible, if possible, for your team members around the clock. They need to be in a good mood in order to be productive. Virtual team managers can help with all types of queries, including the social life and daily activities of the team members. The best managers know that their team members should not feel isolated as they work in the virtual world.

2) Meetings – Online video-conferencing or meetings via Skype and social media should take place on a regular basis. Face-to-face meetings may be harder to organize, but crucial, if at all possible, once a year. The key is to build a good rapport.

3) Casual Conversations – Building trust through informal chats are important with virtual team members. Being flexible in scheduling attendance of team members to on-site jobs is also important. Weather, road and other conditions may be a disadvantage for the member locally and that should also be taken into consideration when they are setting up their schedule.

4) Location Rotations – It’s important for team members to go visit the actual locations where their team members are working. Global rotation of team members, for short periods, is a good experience.

5) Creative Team Bonding – Team gift giving and approval of the performance of all members is important for bonding the virtual groups together. This should be carried out year-round by the team manager.

6) Time Zone Selection – Making an effective schedule for virtual global meetings is imperative, since time zones are so different. The time and date of the meetings should be carefully organized, so all participants get a fair chance of being at the meeting during hours that are not always too early or too late for them.

7) Cultural Training – Since virtual teams have members that are scattered all over the world, it is important to be aware and sensitive to the cultural manner things are done in various settings, such as sending emails, video chats and the like, in different cultures and social settings these forms of communication and the manner in which they are conveyed may have different meanings.

8) Pre-existing Team Climate – It is important for a manager to make sure that barriers are not created among new team members and those that already have been working together as a pre-existing team. Building relationships and socialization among all members will ensure strong team performance.

9) Recruiting Guidelines – When putting a team together, it’s important for coherence as far as the education and work experience of the majority of the members is concerned in order for them to be in sync with each other. Diversity is great, but similarity in some aspects of the team membership mix is also an additional asset to keep in mind.

10) Work Opportunities – Some team members who work on a virtual basis may want to visit and move to the headquarters of the company or become part of an office environment that also works with virtual members. This should be well understood by the HR department when hiring a team player.

The Best Ways to Keep Virtual Teams Productive

Posted on | By evo

Some companies do not have virtual teams because they feel like it will be hard to keep them productive; however more people are working virtually now than ever before. There are ways to keep the virtual team productive. Many companies even find that they are able to hit goals faster due to teams working in a virtual environment.

The first thing people should do when working with virtual teams is communicating the standards and set the tone for the work environment. People have to know what is expected of them in order to perform at their maximum ability.

Communication among the Team

It is a great idea to create an online space where virtual team members can get to know one another on a more personal basis and find out how they all connect with the team. Spotlighting certain team members is another way to create excellent business culture. Newsletters are another excellent way to continue communication within the team. Many business owners partner new team members with more experienced team members. This way the new and existing team member can get to know one another, build a working relationship, and learn from one another.

Communication Tactics

Since communication is a huge part of any team, communication standards should be addressed from the beginning. Business owners must tell everyone they hire the best ways to communicate with them and with others. This way the communication links will be consistent and everyone will know where to go for information.

In Person Meetings

Although the team may work virtually many business owners invest by having in-person meetings once or twice a year. This is another way for the virtual team to be able to connect on a more personal basis. It may cost more but it still helps to build team morale.

Virtual Meetings

One standard that should be created is having virtual meetings on the same day and time each week. By having these meetings the team will know how everyone is doing on tasks, what is expected and will have the opportunity to see how working together truly helps to make progress. Since all members of the team will be meeting it is important to have overlapping hours that will work with everyone’s schedule. This way everyone will be able to attend a meeting. A meeting that allows for everyone to be on video is ideal. Many people associate being able to see someone as having more of a connection.

Time Tracker

Anyone who has ever worked from home can understand how time can be fleeting. It is a great idea to add some form of time tracker to the daily activities. By keeping up with the time it takes to complete certain tasks everyone can ensure that they are making the best use of their time.

All of these things working together help virtual teams to be the best they can be. They also help to create better team morale. Everyone enjoys the feeling of knowing that they are a part of something. By having all of these keys in place the turnover rate of an organization usually decreases.

What are Virtual Teams?

Posted on | By evo

Virtual teams have an old origin even though with the spread of technology it seems that this type of modern workforce is a new concept.

Ever since the creation of the Roman Empire and the coming together of current day military personnel who operate outside of their encampment, virtual teams have always existed.

In brief, geographic dispersal has been the key reason virtual teams are created.

Seven Virtual Teams

Here are the 7 Virtual Teams and a brief synopsis of how they work:

  1. Service Teams – Technical support and service is provided around the clock
  2. Project and Development teams – Decisions for all projects are made by all members
  3. Network Teams – Where a common goal is the purpose for collaboration
  4. A Parallel Team- Where it’s important to find improvements in systems and processes
  5. Work and Production Teams – Performance is ongoing and there is team membership
  6. Functional Oriented Teams – Work with management on a routine basis
  7. Action Teams – Handle emergency response situations

A virtual team refers to a group or collection of individuals who work together from divergent geographic locations. These teams specifically depend on communication technology such as video or voice conferencing, emails and fax, in order to accomplish one or more organizational tasks collectively and without having to be in the same location. The work is predominantly achieved electronically using virtual communication technologies; some team members may never get to meet each other face-to-face.

Team Building

Fiber-optic technology has facilitated the task of creating these virtual teams to communicate off-site in a very effective manner.

The scope of virtual teams is enabling many companies to find and hire the best talent without worrying about geographic location.

There is almost no need for a hierarchy within the business of virtual teams. Teamwork is the modus operandi and everyone is a team player or team leader in their own virtual way.

Many virtual team members have skills that they can share with others and all are accountable for their performance, even if they are geographically dispersed. Some employees work out of the office and others out of their home, but all know their responsibilities and carry their duties in a determined way to make the end result meaningful and well-presented to the client within a deadline.

What are some of the Challenges?

Virtual teams may deal with global time differences for one. Culture and local business customs may dampen the practice between teams. Some may disengage or lose trust; others may lack clarity and lose the cooperation factor. Priorities and goals may remain unclear and brainstorming may not work well in such cases.

Successful Virtual Teams

In order for a virtual connection to take place successfully, here are few things to take into consideration when creating virtual team membership:

  • Team members must become more efficient in team synergy.
  • Members must adapt to, and adopt state-of-the-art technologies available.
  • Resilience to change and being adaptive must be learned.
  • Flexibility is needed regarding responses to organizations and market requirements.
  • Fluidity in team membership and participation in skill assimilation is a must.
  • New members should become seasoned within a determined timeline.

In resume, virtual teams have access to each other and are provided with all types of information on a full-time basis, if necessary, across time and space, via communication technology. Common skills and complementary purposes make virtual teams interdependent in order to achieve perfect performance. Goals are shared and the work approach is such that all are mutually accountable for the success of the team, project, and company that has been established in a virtual team environment.