Telecommunications

The Question:

How to maximize the contributions of people who work in a virtual environment.

The Client:

A global telecommunications Fortune 100 company.

The Challenge:

The reality for many multinational organizations is delivering true international business coverage through geographically dispersed business units. To produce consistent results, people who work effectively together across functional, cultural and geographic boundaries.

Our client created a virtual team from staff in three locations (in Europe and the US) to rapidly develop a software program for a new cell phone product. The team was given its Charter without face-to-face communication from its sponsor and little consideration was given to the different cultures, communication styles and decisions-making processes of the three locations.

GLA's Role:

GLA was brought in as the deterioration in communication between the locations threatened the project deadline. Over the next three months, GLA:

• Interviewed the 27 team members / managers to document the issues
• Planned team building sessions with representatives from each location

Facilitated a three-day workshop with the whole team that produced:

• a revised Charter with clear boundaries and accountabilities
• new ground rules for collaborative working
• fresh rapport and mutual respect from "clearing the air" and solving problems together
• Facilitated monthly telephone conferences to monitor progress

Results:

• Productivity increased as information-sharing, collaborative problem solving and decision-making became the norm.
• The project was completed on time and on budget.