Manage Virtual and Hybrid Teams from edX

Keep your virtual or hybrid teams connected and working efficiently

Working practices have radically evolved over the last five years. Being able to lead, motivate, and supervise a team remotely is a crucial part of management today.

On this four-week course from the University of Adelaide, you’ll gain the skills and strategies you need to lead a motivated and efficient virtual team.

You’ll consider a range of factors affecting virtual work, including diversity, connection, and communication.

Explore the changing nature of work and new developments in virtual communication

You’ll begin by reviewing the status quo in virtual communication and virtual management.

Weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of remote and hybrid work, you’ll discover how managers decide what model is best for their team or organisation.

Learn what makes a successful digital workplace

Focusing on critical success factors, you’ll examine what works and what doesn’t in virtual and hybrid working environments.

You’ll also gain a toolkit for monitoring your colleagues’ wellbeing and performance from behind a screen.

Master strategies for managing remote teams

Guided by your course leader, you’ll delve deeper into virtual communication and management strategies. You’ll learn how taking a trust-based approach to management can help to involve and inspire employees working remotely.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the practical skills you need to stay connected with colleagues and boost your organisation’s efficiency.

This course is designed for managers or team leaders working in organisations that are completely or partially operating remotely. It is primarily aimed at new or emerging managers, but may also interest more experienced managers looking to upskill or update their approach to virtual management.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Assess the pros and cons of virtual/hybrid working.
Identify critical success factors in managing virtual and hybrid teams.
Describe strategies for assessing efficacy within a virtual/hybrid team environment.

Identify appropriate management strategies for improving performance in virtual/hybrid teams.
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Assess the pros and cons of virtual/hybrid working.
Identify critical success factors in managing virtual and hybrid teams.
Describe strategies for assessing efficacy within a virtual/hybrid team environment.
Identify appropriate management strategies for improving performance in virtual/hybrid teams.
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Syllabus

Week 1: The changing nature of work

What are virtual and hybrid ways of working? - We will discover what these types of working are, and whether they are new concepts.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of virtual and hybrid ways of working? - We will discover the pros and cons of these working environments.

What motivates teams in these environments? - How has motivation changed in the light of these work environments?

How can managers objectively assess the benefits or otherwise for their team and their organisation? - We will discover how to assess which method of working we might utilise for success in our team.

Week 2: Success in virtual and hybrid teams

What works and what doesn't work in virtual and hybrid teams?- We'll explore how to measure what is working and not working in virtual and hybrid teams.

Critical success factors for virtual environments - Let's explore the success factors for hybrid and virtual teams and take a look at how we can maintain the organisation's purpose.

Setting boundaries - Well discover the importance of setting boundaries with virtual work and how to do this as a leader.

Week 3: Is it working for me?

Signs and symptoms that things are working or not working in virtual or hybrid teams - We'll discover how to pick up on cues that things are working or not working well in a virtual environment with our team.

Collaborative approaches to assessing performance and well-being in virtual or hybrid environments - We'll discover how to assess performance and collaborate with our team to promote good performance and well-being in a virtual environment.

Week 4: Management strategies

Taking a trustbased approach to management in virtual or hybrid environments - Well discover the importance of taking a trust-based approach to managing our team in these environments.

Engaging the team to implement change -We’ll discover how to collaborate and communicate effectively with our team members in a virtual environment to create positive change.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Useful for managers who are new to managing virtual and hybrid teams

Explores the challenges and opportunities of virtual and hybrid work environments

Provides practical strategies for managing and motivating virtual and hybrid teams

Builds a foundation for successful virtual and hybrid team management

Offered by the reputable University of Adelaide

Instructors are experienced in virtual and hybrid team management

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Manage Virtual and Hybrid Teams with these activities:

Review previous courses or materials on team management

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Strengthen your foundational knowledge of team management principles and strategies, enhancing your ability to apply them in virtual settings.

Browse courses on Team Management

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Review notes, textbooks, or online resources from previous team management courses.
Identify key concepts and principles.
Consider how these principles apply to virtual team management.

Read 'The Advantage' by Patrick Lencioni

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Review the fundamental principles of team building and organizational health to enhance your understanding of how virtual teams operate.

View The Advantage, Enhanced Edition: Why... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key insights.
Identify the principles that resonate with you and your team's current dynamics.
Discuss the book with colleagues or a mentor to gain different perspectives.

Attend a workshop or webinar on virtual team leadership

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Gain practical insights and strategies for leading virtual teams effectively through structured workshops or webinars.

Browse courses on Remote Team Management

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Identify and register for a relevant workshop or webinar.
Attend the event and actively participate in discussions.
Take notes and identify key takeaways.
Apply the knowledge and skills learned to your own team.

Three other activities

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Follow a course on 'Virtual Team Dynamics' on Coursera

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Enhance your knowledge of the unique challenges and strategies for managing virtual teams through structured online learning.

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Enroll in the course and complete the modules.
Engage in discussion forums to connect with other learners and professionals.
Apply the concepts and tools learned to your own team.

Develop a virtual team communication plan

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Solidify your understanding of effective virtual team communication by creating a comprehensive plan that addresses challenges and ensures alignment.

Browse courses on Communication Plans

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Research best practices for virtual team communication.
Identify the specific communication needs of your team.
Develop a plan outlining communication channels, frequency, and protocols.
Implement the plan and monitor its effectiveness.

Join or start a virtual team mastermind group

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Connect with other professionals managing virtual teams to share experiences, best practices, and support each other's growth.

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Identify or join a virtual mastermind group focused on virtual team management.
Attend regular meetings and actively participate in discussions.
Share your own experiences and challenges.
Seek feedback and advice from other members.

Career center

Learners who complete Manage Virtual and Hybrid Teams will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Virtual Team Leader

Virtual Team Leaders form cohesive and productive teams even if all team members work remotely. By taking this course, you can gain strategies for organizing and managing virtual and hybrid teams and resolving any challenges that may arise.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Team Leader

Hybrid Work Strategist

A Hybrid Work Strategist is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for organizations to effectively manage and support a hybrid workforce. The frameworks and techniques covered in this course will help you excel in this role and effectively support both on-site and remote employees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hybrid Work Strategist

Digital Workplace Strategist

Digital Workplace Strategists design, implement, and manage digital workplace solutions that enhance communication, collaboration, and productivity in virtual and hybrid work environments. The course's focus on creating a successful digital workplace will provide valuable insights and tools for your success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Workplace Strategist

Virtual Workplace Consultant

Virtual Workplace Consultants design and implement strategies for organizations to effectively manage and support virtual and hybrid teams. With its coverage of critical success factors for online environments and strategies for monitoring well-being and performance, this course can enhance your expertise in the field.

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Remote Work Manager

As a Remote Work Manager, you lead and manage remote teams and individuals, ensuring that they have access to the right resources and support for productivity. The tools and frameworks you'll learn in this course can help you excel in this role.

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Virtual Team Coach

Virtual Team Coaches provide guidance and support to virtual teams, helping them improve their communication, collaboration, and overall performance. This course can enhance your coaching skills, equipping you to effectively guide virtual teams toward success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Team Coach

Remote Team Manager

As a Remote Team Manager, you are accountable for the performance and well-being of geographically dispersed teams. This course can equip you with the key strategies and techniques for managing remote teams effectively and fostering a positive and productive work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Team Manager

Virtual Team Facilitator

A Virtual Team Facilitator is a specialized role that focuses on leading and guiding virtual teams through effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. This course will provide you with strategies and tools specifically designed for managing virtual teams, enabling you to effectively facilitate team interactions and drive successful outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Team Facilitator

Organizational Development Consultant

Organizational Development Consultants work with organizations to improve their effectiveness and performance. As virtual and hybrid work arrangements become more prevalent, consultants need to adapt their strategies. This course can provide you with the tools and frameworks for advising organizations on successfully managing virtual and hybrid teams.

See salaries and explore the career path for Organizational Development Consultant

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing and developing talent within an organization. In today's increasingly virtual and hybrid work environment, the ability to effectively manage and support remote teams is crucial. This course can help you stay ahead of the curve and excel in this evolving field.

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Information Technology Project Manager

As an Information Technology Project Manager, being able to effectively direct virtual and hybrid teams is an essential skill. This course will help you develop the strategies and techniques you need to manage geographically dispersed teams, ensuring that your organization can operate efficiently with employees working from anywhere.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Project Manager

Training and Development Manager

Training and Development Managers oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of training programs within organizations. With virtual and hybrid work becoming increasingly common, it's important to leverage technology and innovative approaches to deliver effective training. This course can help you develop the skills to succeed in this dynamic role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Training and Development Manager

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officers (COOs) are responsible for the overall operations of an organization, including managing the workforce. As virtual and hybrid work become more common, COOs will need the ability to effectively lead and manage a dispersed team. This course provides insights and frameworks for achieving this.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Operating Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are responsible for the strategic direction and overall performance of an organization. In today's digital age, the ability to effectively manage and support remote and hybrid teams is crucial for success. This course can equip you with the necessary knowledge and tools to excel in this role and lead your organization towards growth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Executive Officer

Executive Coach

Executive Coaches work with leaders and executives to improve their performance and development. As the nature of work continues to shift, leaders need guidance on managing and motivating virtual and hybrid teams. This course can equip you with the skills and strategies to excel in this role and support leaders in adapting to the ever-changing work landscape.

See salaries and explore the career path for Executive Coach