Leading Virtual Teams, Globally

Abstract

Virtual teams allow professionals to work across boundaries, borders, cultures, and time zones. A number of companies across the globe have adapted to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020, using platforms such as Zoom, WebEx, Skype and Microsoft Teams. Due to the pandemic, most professional organizations were forced to utilize virtual platforms to communicate because of the worldwide stay-at- home orders. These platforms allow professionals across the world to connect instantly (Frisch & Greene, 2020).Within that context, a virtual team's leader has a significant responsibility for leading the virtual team to success. The purpose of this study was to explore how to lead virtual global teams successfully. The study examined 25 global leaders' lived experiences utilizing qualitative research methodology and explored the phenomenon of leading virtual teams effectively (and successfully) through using the input and process outcome framework (Eyrich, Quinn & Fessell, 2019). Findings included an effective virtual leadership approach.