PeopleEngage and support virtual teamseasy
A project manager leads a team distributed across several time zones. Some members rarely contribute during video meetings, and the project manager suspects scheduling and communication barriers are the cause. What should the project manager do?
- AWork with the team to establish inclusive communication norms, such as rotating meeting times and using asynchronous channels.
- BRequire all members to attend every meeting regardless of their local time.
- CReduce the number of distributed members to simplify coordination.
- DAssume the quiet members are disengaged and reassign their work to more active members.
Explanation
Correct answer: AEffective leadership of distributed teams adapts practices to include everyone equitably.
- A
- Correct. Establishing inclusive norms addresses the actual barriers and gives every member an effective way to contribute.
- B
- Forcing attendance at inconvenient times burdens some members unfairly and is unlikely to improve real participation.
- C
- Removing team members is disruptive and does not address the communication barriers.
- D
- Assuming disengagement without inquiry is poor leadership and may penalize members facing structural barriers.