This audio presentation unpacks three work design approaches described in the book Creativity in Virtual Teams (author Jill Nemiro), and poses questions to consider as your organization strives for global innovation. REQUIRES DOWNLOAD to listen.

1. with the right balance of interaction and direction.
Find the perfect rhythm for your
virtual team‟s
creativity
prepared by Joan Davis, March 2013
J Davis Consulting, LLC www.theVirtualBA.com

4. Create as many
sentences as possible
beginning with
“Virtual Teams can‟t …”

6. It takes more time and cooperation
to collaborate effectively from afar.
team
interaction
s
independent
tasks Creative Development

7. The approach is framed by the nature of the
work.
EXPERTISE
FEEDBACK
TIME
DECISIONS
team
interaction
s
independent
tasks
 Modular
 Iterative
 Wheel

8. Modular Work Design Approach
“assembler” role
THIS SIDE UP

9. Iterative Work Design Approach
THIS SIDE UP

10. Wheel Work Design Approach
THIS SIDE UP
Leader
as
„hub‟
Leader decision

11. Find the right balance of interaction and
direction.
Communications
Strategy
Decision-Making
Strategy
team
interaction
s
independent
tasks

12. Recap: 3 Work Design Approaches
Approach Timing Expertise Feedback Decisions
Modular parallel work;
tasks are
easily broken
down
qualified
teams;
clear roles
limited across
teams
democratic;
high
accountability
Iterative extra time for
several back &
forth cycles
qualified
teams
highly
interactive
shared;
constructive
criticism
Wheel add staff for
deadlines or
volume
qualified roles between team
leader &
individuals
team leader

13. “MAKING THE SIMPLE COMPLICATED IS
COMMONPLACE;
MAKING THE COMPLICATED AWESOMELY SIMPLE,
THAT’S CREATIVITY. “
- bassist Charles Mingus