The world is flat or round? It may seem a silly question. But until the 15th century, believed that the apartment – is a lot of time there with a big misunderstanding. Why do people like this for so long? What does it matter to them? "You can not say. But here is a case for you. Pre-Columbus, people (in general) may be as far to travel – often not even in sight. They live in small groups, everybody knows everybody and interact with all day. AThis problem has been encountered and solved a common problem.

Although there are many differences between cultures, hierarchy is probably not lower than it once was in the 20th century organizations. All this has led to a feeling of "togetherness" and an assurance that they are the only people on the ground plate.

Today, in the 21st century we have the same feeling of flatness happen again. Globalization and increased forms of communication to ensure that people can (andI use the term deliberately) have the same kind of contact that our 15th century ancestors.

Today, organizations operate in several countries. This has consequences for both people working together locally, and those working elsewhere, all working for the same company. This means that every day people to other people what they can not (or rarely) face to face.

As the modern organization to meet these challenges? Many now have matrixstructures and project teams based at the international level, teams and committees. Based in Switzerland, home to some of the big multinational companies, my thoughts on this issue and how the challenge is in front (the Swiss company, Nestle, Roche, Novartis, Zurich Insurance, Clariant – in fact, there are at least 60 major multinationals headquartered in Switzerland).

Take the case of a leader that I know of nine people refer to him. All his peoplemembers of project teams in each other. Three of his colleagues are also permanent members of three other teams. Three of his work in the same office with him, the other in the world. What are the issues for review and virtual teams like this?

In my conversations with coaches and learning and development of people in some of the Swiss multinational, which seem to be at least four challenges to the development and maintenance of the virtual and the matrixTeams:

– Building trust

– The development of good teamwork

– Hold team members are motivated

– To make decisions

Much has been written about the first three, so I thought I have some thoughts on the decision forward. The decision process is like a big weakness in virtual teams, especially when teams are part of a matrix structure.

As a leader in a matrix organization for over fifteen years experience said: "There is often a built-in uncertaintyabout who is responsible, is a sure thing to determine. If someone believes that "it can not decide, then it is probably right" Following a summary of recommendations that would give people who work in virtual teams matrix.:

– If you see that a decision is necessary and is well qualified to do it, do it.

– Act as if you are taking the decision entirely male.

– Make the decision in public and very strong.

– Editor offers large, solidjustification for backup.

As my colleague said: "The acceptance of this approach creates a very quick rebuttals, if any … and can be treated with everything you need … and deserve quickly accepted the decision and the entire organization established . This will give many of the "victims uncertainty matrix a solid basis for continuing with the next administration is empty."

It 's the "if you're not sure if you can determine whether, makes atry, you will soon find out "approach is certainly a success," not for lack of decision "that is the disease matrix. gladste not always drive like you can bring a little conflict in the foreground. … but there are problems of conflict and still is much easier to handle when in public.

So, for those teachers who work with virtual teams in a matrix structure, in spite of the best forms of communication available, we are a great challenge. How can wecreate or restore face to face environment shared by groups of old? An environment that has led to rapid and intimacy, in which a problem that occurs is a common problem and solved where the process, the issues such as decision making and conflict management is an integral part of the module running the team.