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The Virtual Divide: Tackling Your Challenges of Leading in a Virtual World
The Virtual Work World … You May Love It … or Hate It!
Do you manage a remote team?
Are there times that you feel frustrated and stressed?
Have expectations been set without the “how-to” in getting there?
Today’s work world is different. Workers are different. Employers are different. Locations at where to work are different. And expectations are different from leadership, management, employees, and customers.
With the advent of the "virtual workplace", and the drive for team-based organizations, it is critical that professional managers understand two critical elements:
1. How modern technology has caused a change in the manner of group dynamics.
2. How team members need to be managed.
Too often, new managers are thrown into a potential lion’s den of virtual piranhas without the critical training that would pave the way to success as a new manager of a remote team. Setting expectations without providing the know-how in delivering the results.
The Virtual Divide reveals that there is no perfect leadership style; how to get results with team meetings and ways to communicate clearly and effectively, and how to inspire and build trust within the team.
Leaders have two roles in a virtual organization, to simulate creativity and innovation, and to urge participation and achievement.
Throughout The Virtual Divide, you will discover author Ron Beach’s Nuggets—virtual nuggets created that are derived from his combined 30 years of leading both face-to-face and remote teams. His wisdom is demonstrated daily as he teaches managers and leaders how to lead the new generation of workplaces: the virtual workplace.
Ron Beach, PhD, is a speaker, trainer, professor and proud United States Marine Corps Veteran. He conducts classes globally from his offices in Colorado to a balcony room on a cruise ship. Ron believes in staying connected with his team—no matter where he is and where they are. His website is www.RonaldBeach.com.
Do you manage a remote team?
Are there times that you feel frustrated and stressed?
Have expectations been set without the “how-to” in getting there?
Today’s work world is different. Workers are different. Employers are different. Locations at where to work are different. And expectations are different from leadership, management, employees, and customers.
With the advent of the "virtual workplace", and the drive for team-based organizations, it is critical that professional managers understand two critical elements:
1. How modern technology has caused a change in the manner of group dynamics.
2. How team members need to be managed.
Too often, new managers are thrown into a potential lion’s den of virtual piranhas without the critical training that would pave the way to success as a new manager of a remote team. Setting expectations without providing the know-how in delivering the results.
The Virtual Divide reveals that there is no perfect leadership style; how to get results with team meetings and ways to communicate clearly and effectively, and how to inspire and build trust within the team.
Leaders have two roles in a virtual organization, to simulate creativity and innovation, and to urge participation and achievement.
Throughout The Virtual Divide, you will discover author Ron Beach’s Nuggets—virtual nuggets created that are derived from his combined 30 years of leading both face-to-face and remote teams. His wisdom is demonstrated daily as he teaches managers and leaders how to lead the new generation of workplaces: the virtual workplace.
Ron Beach, PhD, is a speaker, trainer, professor and proud United States Marine Corps Veteran. He conducts classes globally from his offices in Colorado to a balcony room on a cruise ship. Ron believes in staying connected with his team—no matter where he is and where they are. His website is www.RonaldBeach.com.
88 pages, Paperback
Published November 16, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 13, 2019
the Virtual Divide details a realistic perspective on working in the 21st century. My personal experience in technology enabling companies around the globe for collaboration can relate and learn from Ronald B. Beach’s points of view for management and leadership of virtual teams. New and seasoned managers can easily digest and learn from this book. I would recommend it as required reading in International Business and Management degrees.
I really enjoyed the way this book is laid out. The highlighted takeaways at the end of each chapter are succinct points which the reader can easily remember. The organization of this book categorizes each area for reference in the future. Working today is very different from even 20 years ago because technology allows resources to be optimized in very different ways. The diverse workforce allows for diverse points of view that when properly managed can positively impact an organization.
Leadership is very different and the training for a manager is critical to effectively guiding a team. For example, Ronald points out after relating his experience working with a teammate from Japan, “…you always need to be aware that your meaning can be lost in translation.” This section actually reminded me that many managers have this issue with a diverse team in the same building due to mixed age, language accents, and gender. The expanding virtual workforce that companies have is amplifying the situation to the extreme. Countering the feeling of isolation of managers and team member is possible with face-to-face communications, video conferencing, and effective honest conversations, which can develop and strengthen the bonds a team needs to optimize their performance.
Ronald points out the diversity of cultures and styles can and should be embraced to create a powerful virtual team. He also places emphasis on managing versus leading. Organizations need to insure their leaders and managers are aware of methods for optimizing team performance and provide the tools to them. There are several tools outlined within this book which should be reviewed and considered as positive options.
I liked this book and can easily recommend it to others. I also look forward to the next in this Virtual Nuggets series. Ronald’s background and real-world experience make this easily digestible and memorable. Please take a read and let me know if you agree.
I really enjoyed the way this book is laid out. The highlighted takeaways at the end of each chapter are succinct points which the reader can easily remember. The organization of this book categorizes each area for reference in the future. Working today is very different from even 20 years ago because technology allows resources to be optimized in very different ways. The diverse workforce allows for diverse points of view that when properly managed can positively impact an organization.
Leadership is very different and the training for a manager is critical to effectively guiding a team. For example, Ronald points out after relating his experience working with a teammate from Japan, “…you always need to be aware that your meaning can be lost in translation.” This section actually reminded me that many managers have this issue with a diverse team in the same building due to mixed age, language accents, and gender. The expanding virtual workforce that companies have is amplifying the situation to the extreme. Countering the feeling of isolation of managers and team member is possible with face-to-face communications, video conferencing, and effective honest conversations, which can develop and strengthen the bonds a team needs to optimize their performance.
Ronald points out the diversity of cultures and styles can and should be embraced to create a powerful virtual team. He also places emphasis on managing versus leading. Organizations need to insure their leaders and managers are aware of methods for optimizing team performance and provide the tools to them. There are several tools outlined within this book which should be reviewed and considered as positive options.
I liked this book and can easily recommend it to others. I also look forward to the next in this Virtual Nuggets series. Ronald’s background and real-world experience make this easily digestible and memorable. Please take a read and let me know if you agree.
December 27, 2019
A good entry level management book targeted at the new manager who is, for the first time, managing remote staff...or for a more seasoned manager who may have never managed anyone not within arms length. Even if you've been leading global teams for years, there are always things one can learn. Some examples may be easy for seasoned managers to relate to.
November 13, 2019
The Virtual Divide is a must read for bosses and leaders that need to develop this critical skill in today's workplace.
October 25, 2019
I thought the book was very encouraging and informative. I would recommend this to every student. Business or otherwise. It is full of insights for both business and life. Just enjoy what is being said then you will get more out of it.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews





