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Digital Leadership

Digital Leadership Skills for Students

Collaborating Online

This refers to the ability to confidently use technology to create working relationships and to build networks.

Why collaborate online?

In the workplace it may not always be possible to have face-to-face meetings if you work for a company that has staff in different locations. This may also be the case if you work with a range of suppliers and customers. One alternative is communicating online, which can be more efficient with respect to cost and time.

Even though the traditional phone conference has its place, web conferencing tools such as Skype give you the opportunity to work collaboratively. They have features such as desktop sharing, which can be used to create documents and also for trouble shooting. If you have a webcam you will also be able to see the person, or the team you are communicating with, which provides a personal element.  

Challenges of collaborating online

This approach to communication can come with some challenges. As the organiser and chair of an online meeting you will need to:

  • make sure everyone has the right equipment for the job e.g. webcam and headset, as well as time to test
  • to be clear about the purpose of the meeting and why people are attending
  • to get feedback throughout the meeting, to make sure everybody is included
  • to clearly summarise actions 

Having on online meeting for a project or initiative you are leading can be a useful way to sort out large and small issues with suppliers or partners before they escalate. 

Communicating Online

Pscyhology of Communicating Effectively in a Digital World - 16 minutes