A virtual team is a group of individuals who work together despite being geographically seperate. Through the use of communication technology virtual teams are able to work together towards a common goal with each individuals skills complementing those of other members.

Key steps to developing virtual teams (also available here):

• Build a business plan to include the team vision, purpose and goal.
• Identify critical players to support the project.
• Select people who can contribute their core competencies to the project.
• Enlist their service.
• Establish an initial meeting with members to lay down the groundwork,set guidelines and processes.
• Strategically align all members to the projects goal.
• Set a timeline.
• Monitor activities and progress.

In addition below I've included a suggested list of skills and qualities that could be used to enhance group collaboration and sense of community. They are available here: 

Set some guidelines for communication

   - Tone and language

   - Confidentiality contract

   - Rules for starting topics threads and titles

   - Group objectives and purpose

   - Commitment to communicate

   - Encourage brief introductions

Ensure all participants have access to the technology and know where to get help/support

Provide an FAQ forum for tips, hints and help

Encourage contributions from all participants

Invite participation from quiet participants i.e. lurkers

Resolve/defuse conflict quickly

Allow discussions to continue or close before participants become bored

Provoke discussion and debate with open ended questions

Contribute at point of need to invigorate discussion  

Take care not to overwhelm participants with facilitator discussion

Allow time for reflection from all participants

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