Training session on virtual collaboration delivered to Hewlett Packard EMEA Finance on 17th May 2010. Presented on-site at Sant Cugat, Spain, and broadcast EMEA-wide.

1. Virtual Collaboration:
5 Myths, 5 Tips, and 5 Things to do Tomorrow
Hewlett Packard EMEA Finance Development & Training Day,
Sant Cugat, Spain & EMEA-wide dial-in
17th May, 2010
Dr. Steven MacGregor
(steven@macstrong.es)

2. Presenting the magic
formula for virtual
collaboration success:
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

3. Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

4. +

5. Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

6. But, from time to
time, there’s a fly in
the ointment..
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

7. Eyjafjallajökull!*@!#
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

8. But seriously, with the right approach and management,
Virtual Collaboration is the optimum solution.
Lets start by dispelling some of the myths around virtual work..
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

9. 5
Myths

10. Myth # 1
Face to face is
always better
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

11. Myth # 2
Virtual
collaboration is
not the norm
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

12. Myth # 3
Nothing good
ever comes out of
virtual work
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

14. Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

15. Myth # 4
If only we had the
right technology!!
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

16. Myth # 5
You must meet
face-to-face
in order to see
eye-to-eye
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

17. So, in sum, we can say that virtual work
is the de-facto mode of collaboration
that produces the bulk of work in
today’s world, and sometimes,
spectacular results.
Granted, it’s not easy!!
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

18. 5Tips

19. Tip # 1
Above all, it’s
about sharing
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

20. Tip # 2
Take the
necessary time to
plan and think
off-line
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

21. Thinking about a virtual
collaboration protocol
Some key considerations
What is the vision, purpose, and objectives?
What are the roles and responsibilities of colleagues?
What are the ‘rules of the game’?
How are decisions taken?
How should conflicts be resolved?
When and how are resources to be supplied?
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

22. Time and space matrix
TIME
same
different
same
f2f
post-it
SPACE
different
phone, skype
e-mail
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

23. Tip # 3
Do not multi-task
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

24. Tip # 4
Learn to live with
lower awareness
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

25. Tip # 5
Don’t neglect the
physical when it
comes to the
virtual
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

26. We were born to move
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

27. Don’t forget to breathe!
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

28. 5
things to do
tomorrow

29. Action # 1
Find out
something new
about one of
colleagues
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

30. Action # 2
Write down (and
share) your norms
for using each
communication
mode
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

31. Email!
1. Answer messages within a 12 hour period.!
2. Use the subject line as the message!
3. Prioritize mail by coding top of message with
either “Requires action” or “For your information
(FYI)”!
4. Send short, straightforward messages (tweets!)!
Audio conference!
1. Send out agenda in advance: name + contact
information of person calling meeting, meeting
purpose, start time and expected length, names of
attendees, etc.!
2. Limit participation to no more than eight people,!
3. Be punctual!
4. Preface all comments with introduction, own name!
5. Avoid interrupting others!
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

32. Action # 3
Create your own
‘Facemap’

33. Action # 4
Construct a
common ground
platform
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

34. Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

35. Action # 5
Share this
presentation with
your colleagues
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

36. 1
And finally,
thing you must
remember

37. It’s not about technology,
it’s about people:
A) Build on swift trust,
B) Establish norms,
C) Nurture common ground.
Dr. S. P. MacGregor
steven@macstrong.es

38. MSI logo
Virtual Collaboration:
5 Myths, 5 Tips, and 5 Things to do Tomorrow
Thanks + Good Luck!
Dr. Steven MacGregor
(steven@macstrong.es)