In today’s fast-paced, globalized world, teams are becoming increasingly diverse and distributed. As organizations seek to tap into the best talent available, they often find themselves working with people from different time zones, cultures, and functional areas.
This has led to the emergence of extended teams, which are groups of individuals who work together to achieve a common goal, but may not all be physically located in the same place or have direct reporting relationships.
What Are Extended Teams?
An extended team is a group of individuals who work together to achieve a common goal, but may not all be physically located in the same place or have direct reporting relationships. These teams often consist of people from different functional areas, such as marketing, sales, and engineering, as well as those working remotely or in different time zones.
Extended teams are becoming increasingly common as organizations seek to tap into the best talent available, regardless of location. They can bring a range of skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table, which can lead to more innovative solutions and better outcomes. However, managing extended teams can be challenging due to the lack of direct communication and oversight that comes with working remotely.
How Do Extended Teams Differ from Traditional Teams?
Traditional teams are typically made up of individuals who work closely together in a physical location, have direct reporting relationships, and share a common goal. They often have regular meetings and communication channels to keep everyone on the same page and ensure that tasks are completed on time.
In contrast, extended teams may not have regular face-to-face meetings and may rely heavily on technology for communication. They may also have more diverse skill sets and experiences, which can lead to a greater emphasis on collaboration and coordination.
Managing Extended Teams Effectively
Managing extended teams effectively requires a different set of skills than managing traditional teams. Some best practices include:
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Clearly defining roles and responsibilities: It’s important to have a clear understanding of who is responsible for what, so that everyone knows what they need to focus on. This can be especially important in an extended team, where there may not be direct reporting relationships.
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Establishing effective communication channels: With remote teams working in different time zones and locations, it’s important to have a range of communication channels available, such as email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and project management tools.
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Encouraging collaboration and coordination: Extended teams often bring diverse skills and experiences to the table, which can lead to more innovative solutions. It’s important to create an environment that encourages collaboration and coordination, so that everyone can work together effectively.
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Providing regular feedback and support: With extended teams working remotely, it’s important to provide regular feedback and support to help team members stay on track and achieve their goals. This may involve setting up regular check-ins, providing training and development opportunities, and offering access to resources and tools.
Summary
Extended teams are becoming increasingly common as organizations seek to tap into the best talent available, regardless of location. While managing extended teams can be challenging, with the right strategies in place, they can lead to more innovative solutions and better outcomes. By defining roles and responsibilities, establishing effective communication channels, encouraging collaboration and coordination, and providing regular feedback and support, organizations can manage their extended teams effectively and achieve their goals.