Workplace Skills 101: Virtual Leadership & Managing a Dispersed Team - 4 day virtual class

This course is part of our workplace skills 101 series, designed for companies and organisations. The series is taught by an Industrial and Organisational (IO) Psychologist. So what is IO Psychology? IO psychologists focus on the behaviour of employees in the workplace. They apply psychological principles and research methods to improve the overall work environment, including performance, communication, professional satisfaction and safety. They can do this through a number of ways, such as observation, or in this case, through workshops and online courses aimed at employees.

There are many variables that determine how well an organisation or company operates. Effective communication and conflict resolution, process evaluation, professional competence and effective management are examples of the components necessary for businesses to succeed. Often, shortcomings in any of these areas can be traced back to the ways employees are selected, trained, share information or interact. IO psychologists use their knowledge of human behaviour to address these challenges.

IO psychology techniques can be applied to all types of organisational and workplace settings, such as manufacturing, commercial enterprises, labor unions and health care facilities. Specific applications can include creative strategic thinking, delegating skills, effective decision-making strategies, team development, emotional intelligence for teams, performance feedback and coaching, leadership skills, and work-life balance.

How does this class work?

This is a virtual, live online class, taught by a tutor in real-time. It requires a minimum of five learners to run (i.e. you’ll need to enrol 5 learners). The customer (e.g. organisation/company) can select their own class date/s. The tutor will use diagrams, illustrations, and examples to teach the course. You will also be provided with digital course material (where necessary), that you will use during the course. The tutor will give students the opportunity to interact with him/her during or after the lessons.

Key features of class:

• 4-day, 4 x 4hr live, online workshop
• Taught by an IO Psychologist
• Requires a minimum of five learners to run
• The customer (i.e. organisation/company) can select their own class date/s
• Course material provided, where necessary
• Course can be taken remotely, from any where in the world
• Ideal for both concentrated or dispersed employees
• No exams required upon completion of course

There are many variables that determine how well an organisation or company operates. Effective communication and conflict resolution, process evaluation, professional competence and effective management are examples of the components necessary for businesses to succeed. Often, shortcomings in any of these areas can be traced back to the ways employees are selected, trained, share information or interact. IO psychologists use their knowledge of human behaviour to address these challenges.

What’s covered in this workshop?

This workshop offers participants powerful strategies, methods, and tools to use as they diagnose and address these and other issues, allowing leaders to better impact the organisation’s bottom line through the contributions of their virtual-team members. Not only do virtual-team leaders need to have strong, foundational leadership qualities, they must also be able to excel in the following areas:

• Adapt their communication style for various communication mediums
• Coach and give supportive and corrective feedback in a virtual setting
• Build relationships with virtual team members
• Create a team community and culture where barriers impacting the virtual team are minimised and alignment is created

What is virtual leadership?

Virtual leadership refers to overseeing team members working in different locations or time zones. Virtual leaders usually relies on technology to communicate with remote employees and delegate tasks or responsibilities. They focus on motivating employees and helping them accomplish business goals.

The need to adjust leadership style

As organisations face increasingly unique demands, they’re trending toward physically dispersed and diverse teams. Virtual teams offer organisations a number of benefits, but they also create some challenges for leaders. The approach to leading virtual teams is different from that of leading a traditional, on-site team. As such, the roles and behaviours of leaders must be adjusted to better meet the unique needs and demands of the virtual team.

All you need is an internet connection and a device, such as a smart phone, tablet, laptop or PC, and an internet connection. We recommend you access it using either a laptop or desktop computer through Google Chrome.