Managing a team effectively is always a challenge, but never more so than when the team members are scattered across the globe, unlikely ever to meet. A case study of a "virtual" team found that leaders can take some steps to counter the forces tending to fragment the team and undermine its effectiveness. These include making sure the team is working on issues its members find personally compelling; jointly defining and committing the team to an identity, goals, and processes; managing performance with a process that recognizes the team members' routines and daily work; creating a "lavish" information flow; and binding the process with the leader's unmistakable commitment. Allowing time for virtual socializing — during phone or video meetings, for instance — also fosters team cohesion.
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