Managing a virtual team can be challenging. Whilst it’s almost impossible to re-create the feeling of being in the same room, there are some great tools out there now that allow for what I’m referring to as “casual collaboration”.

Let me define this first:

Casual collaboration – in the moment, instant and largely unplanned. Great for small teams, impromptu discussions and quick WIP updates.

Formal collaboration – scheduled meeting, existing agenda and specific people involved.

Tools I’m currently using with my virtual team that I like a lot:

Skype has been around for a while, and as an application, I believe it’s getting better and better. Three things I love about Skype:

• Well known – just about everyone has it installed on one or more of their devices
• Multiple participant video conferencing. In the past you could only do 1:1 video conferencing but recent updates now allow for multiple participants provided they have the right version and hardware.

• Screen Sharing – for a quick demo, or to share something on your screen, it’s super easy.

Trello is a great team collaboration tool and is so flexible you can decide how you want to use it, and customise it according to how work flows through your team or organisation. Three things I love about Trello:

• It’s free
• Adaptable and customisable – my team and I have used it for everything from scheduling appointments, to do lists and sales funnels
• Doesn’t require any software to be downloaded to your computer

Slack is a new collaboration tool to my current suite. Recommended by my web designer it allows for quick and easy chat with either a group or an individual. You can also be part of other organisation groups if you are invited in. Three things I love about Slack:

• Simple yet comprehensive chat capability

• Allows for group and individual and project communication. Great to keep discussions on track and relevant

• I get updates on my Apple Watch when something has been amended or

  changed for a project I am connected to

Applications like Trello don’t require you to download any software from your computer, which makes them easy to use. Of course you would need to have your own protocols around security, etc depending on your companies policy.

For those of you that are inside organisations, you might like to ensure you have the following applications/tools, etc to allow for casual collaboration:

Instant Messaging – fast overtaking email as a way to communicate and collaborate quickly with team members. Comes standard with your MS Office installation.

Social Networking – applications like Yammer are gaining real traction allowing for a FaceBook like interactions

Virtual Meetings – Apps like Webex or GotoMeeting are great for both casual and formal collaboration. Great if you can use the “quick meeting” options allowing people to instantly and quickly connect.

What are your favourite tools for virtual collaboration?