Virtual Leadership

Virtual working – also known as remote working, telecommuting, flexible working, or homeworking – is an important and growing trend in the global employment landscape. Its popularity has increased due to globalization and outsourcing. However, unlocking the benefits of virtual work – increased productivity, flexibility, and collaboration across dispersed teams – depends largely on the organizational culture, management, and leadership to support it. Without the knowledge and skills to be effective in leading virtually, many managers are reluctant to embrace it. Virtual Leadership identifies the challenges of virtual work and explains how to develop the facilitative leadership mindset to effectively manage people remotely. It focuses on tried and tested strategies for being a better leader in a virtual working scenario, and directly addresses the common challenges of managing a company of telecommuters using real-life examples from organizations all over the world. Chapters cover why virtual leadership is vital; virtually working with others; using technology; leading virtual meetings; working across cultures, time zones, languages, and generations; and putting leadership into practice.