Virtual Distance

Team functions only when there’s a trust, proper communication and efficient information sharing for the work. According to Dr Karen Sobel Lojeski, CEO of Virtual Distance International, there is 90 percent difference in innovation because of highly functioning remote teams are facing problems from virtual distance. Project failure rates are consistently increasing in virtual teams that are failed to fill these gaps effectively. 


Physical distance is the least challenge for the great teams, which is actually defined as the distance exits between geographically separated people in terms of organizational boundaries, have to work together. Most efficient techniques that helps to reduce physical distance are: fairly scheduling meetings, Incrementing the benefits as well as uses face-to face interactions.

Operational distance is the processes and the way of work become reasons to keep the people at a distance to help teams to work collaboratively. Though it is obvious that the technologies like E-Mail can fill the distance gap, when it becomes difficult for people to collaborate towards work, the troubles can possibly interminable. When technology fails, reduction of multitasking when on the phone and focus on communicating more precisely in commonly understood language helps to reduce operational distance.


Affinity distance is about how emotionally and mentally people are with other teammates towards to work together well. Physical distance is not at all a part of the affinity distance. For suppose, if affinity distance is resolved, the other two distances could become easier to overcome. If not, technology would not help to overcome this distance. By establishing environment that is open and inclusive, more embracing and appreciating individual members would help in supporting relationships even across the distances, which helps to reduce the affinity distance. 


Finally, affinity distance does not actually require physical distance. However, an effective leader not only focus on physical obvious distance but also emotional connection between team members to engage the gaps.