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318 PART 4: THE LEADER AS A RELATIONSHIP BUILDER
These principles apply to virtual and global teams as well. However, being a
team leader is even more challenging when people are scattered in different geo-
graphic locations and may be separated by language and cultural differences. To
create effective, smoothly functioning virtual teams, leaders build trust by build-
ing connections in both physical and virtual space, select team members who have
the skills and temperaments to work virtually, agree on ground rules for the team,
and ensure that all team members effectively use technology. For global teams,
leaders also have to manage language and cultural differences and guide people to
stretch their minds and behavior to establish a shared culture for the team.
Virtual and global teams increase the potential for misunderstanding, dis-
agreements, and conflicts. However, all teams experience some confl ict because

of scarce resources, faulty communication, goal conflicts, power and status differ-

ences, or personality clashes. Leaders use varied styles to handle confl ict. In addi-
tion, they employ the following techniques to help resolve confl icts: unite people
around a shared vision, use bargaining and negotiation, bring in a mediator, and
help conflicting parties communicate openly and honestly, particularly through

dialogue.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the difference between a “team” and a “group”? Describe your personal
experience with each.
2. Discuss the differences between a cross-functional team and a self-directed team.
3. Why do you think organizations are increasingly using virtual and global teams?
Would you like to be a member or leader of a virtual global team? Why or why not?
4. Why might a person need to go through significant personal changes to be an effec-
tive team leader? What are some of the changes required?
5. Describe the three levels of interdependence and explain how they affect team lead-
ership.
6. Which is more important to team effectiveness—the task-specialist role or the socio-
emotional role? Discuss.
7. What are the stages of team development? How can a team leader best facilitate the
team at each stage?
8. Discuss the relationship between team cohesiveness and performance.
9. What style of handling conflict do you typically use? Can you think of instances
where a different style might have been more productive?

Leadership at Work

Team Feedback
Think back to your most recent experience working in a team, either at work or school.
Write down your answers to the following questions about your role in the team.
What did the team members appreciate about you?