5 Tips for creating short and long-term value in virtual team training

1.  Create enough 'touch points' to create a learning organization.

One of the first steps when walking into the development project besides assessing needs and gaps is to analyze the communication channels and information flow of the organization.  The objective is to leverage the communication networks (both formal and informal) along with the existing tools to create 'learning touch points'.

Naturally, the corner stone is likely to be scheduled training and coaching sessions, but there are numerous other opportunities for creating push and on-demand feedback.  I use various tools to drop ideas into the network for increased learning transfer and improved performance.

• Set up a flip chart/whiteboard in the office or near the team meeting room to pass on goals for the day, learning activities, etc.
• Establish a What'sApp or WeChat group to create an ongoing learning environment.  This short-cuts the support communication channel and even allows for 'hot-wash' feedback, "That was a great presentation from Martin - great structure and language."
• Drop by the office at unexpected times to demonstrate availability.  In an open plan office, these visits easily become 'flash lessons' and knowledge sharing sessions.
• Ask to be invited to meetings as an observer when you hear about them, or even better - volunteer to record the meeting minutes.
• There's always lunch and dinner.
• Leverage nodes in the communication network to drop in learning points, then sit back and watch them spread.
• Create 'virtual office hours'.  Basically, create a two-three hour virtual meeting room and sit in the room (while working on other things) and wait for participants to come with questions/coaching requests.

With a clear understanding of how, when and why the team communicates, it easy to insert performance objectives into the existing network.  If managed correctly, it creates a constant feedback loop between the individual employee, peers and the trainer.

2.  Don't think merely in face-to-face and virtual environments.

For the trainer used to the face-to-face training environment, virtual training (both synchronous and asynchronous) can seem like a different world.  But it doesn't have to be that difficult.  We don't need to spend countless hours developing a customized elearning platform.

3.  Lean forward in the project schedule, way forward if you can.

4.  Becomes the team's 'secret weapon'.

5.  Balance performance with flexibility.