{"id":247475,"date":"2022-04-08T20:31:11","date_gmt":"2022-04-08T20:31:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teambuildinghub.com\/?page_id=247475"},"modified":"2024-05-20T22:17:16","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T22:17:16","slug":"leadership-activities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/teambuildinghub.com\/team-building\/virtual\/activities-games\/leadership-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"Virtual Leadership Activities: 19 Remote Games to Develop Your Leaders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As more and more companies embrace the remote work model the demand for effective remote team leaders will increase. According to one study<\/a>, 73% of all teams will have remote workers by 2028. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remote teams pose unique challenges to companies and the lack of leaders versed in <\/strong>virtual team management<\/strong><\/a> can have a major impact on productivity and morale.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your company is fully or partially remote, it\u2019s imperative that you provide your team leaders with opportunities to develop the required skills to keep your remote teams productive and successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to any formal training you offer your remote employees, there are some effective and fun virtual leadership development activities that you and your team can engage in. Playing these virtual games will bring out the best remote leadership qualities in your employees so that everyone on the team can step up to the plate if needed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Table of Contents<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Why Is Developing Remote Leadership Skills Important?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Develop Virtual Leadership Skills Effectively?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Virtual Leadership Activities Are The Best?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is Developing Remote Leadership Skills Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One study reported in Forbes<\/a>, analyzed 60 team leadership skills, looking for any differences between in-person and remote team leaders. While a large majority of skills and behaviors were the same, the study revealed increased importance of several behaviors. Remote leaders communicate clearly, problem-solve creatively, and display empathy. They also listen actively and build relationships.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without a great team leader, remote teams can quickly become dysfunctional. Communication breaks down, problems go unsolved, feelings get hurt, and morale plummets. When a team is this dysfunctional, productivity inevitably hits an all-time low. Retention rates drop and your bottom line suffers. You can\u2019t afford to neglect to implement virtual leadership training activities for your employees!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"happy<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Develop Virtual Leadership Skills Effectively?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is no such thing as a \u201cborn leader\u201d. Some individuals possess certain innate characteristics that lend themselves to leadership but everyone has some basic leadership aptitude.<\/strong> Here are the top skills every great remote leader should have and continue to develop:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communication<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remote team leaders need to be able to communicate concepts, instructions, and systems succinctly and clearly. Great remote leaders pick up on non-verbal communication just as much as verbal communication.<\/strong> They must feel comfortable speaking in all settings such as one-on-one conversations, team meetings, and company-wide events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Problem-Solving <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In a remote workplace, good leaders must be able to problem-solve efficiently and creatively<\/strong>. An array of previously uncommon obstacles can crop up in a company operating remotely. From technology snafus to disruptions among the team due to miscommunication, a solid remote leader must have the ability to correct these problems swiftly and set everything right so coworkers can carry on as normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Active Listening <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Active listening is more than just hearing another\u2019s words. Active listening includes hearing words being spoken and the intention and emotion behind them. Active listeners also know how to respond appropriately. Remote team leaders who actively listen to their team members make them feel understood and appreciated. This bolsters employee motivation and morale.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Empathy <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lack of empathy among company management is why many employees quit their jobs<\/a>. When it comes to being a good remote leader, having empathy for others is a must. Empathy allows team members to understand each other\u2019s perspectives and needs and this leads to better collaboration. <\/strong>Just as important is the effect that empathy can have on company culture, especially at a time when remote workers may feel isolated or down. When team leaders have the ability to empathize, they inspire others to be more caring too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relationship Building <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A team of disparate people needs someone to guide them to build relationships together. Virtual activities where team members have to share a bit of themselves with the group are a first step toward the creation of team cohesion. Great virtual team leaders recognize the importance of fostering bonds among team members and create intentional moments to encourage individuals to connect with each other.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-Reflection <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Self-reflection is essential to effective leadership. After all, you can\u2019t know if you\u2019re doing a good job without some assessment. In order to improve leadership abilities, one must continually reflect upon strengths and weaknesses. Self-awareness of behaviors towards others helps leaders know if their leadership style is working or not, how others are perceiving their authority, and if team members feel supported by a caring superior.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boost Morale<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Every team needs a cheerleader! A good remote team leader keeps spirits high through engaging <\/strong>virtual team building activities<\/strong><\/a>!<\/strong> They also hold regularly scheduled one-on-ones. Connecting with remote team members is vital to their happiness and success since they can\u2019t just pop into your office with questions or concerns. One-on-ones are also ideal for leaders to let remote workers know they are appreciated. Employees who feel valued are happier and this translates into higher company morale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"leadership<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Virtual Leadership Activities Are The Best?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are 19 of the best virtual activities for leadership development. These games teach individual team members to communicate more effectively and listen more actively, use creative thinking when problem-solving, self-reflect, feel empathy, and nurture relationships. These games help team members recognize great leadership traits and if they have what it takes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Personality Tests<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Personality tests<\/a> let team members learn about each other\u2019s traits, talents, and weak spots. Finding similarities fosters bonds between group members. Understanding each other\u2019s differences develops empathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 5-Minute Personality Test<\/a> is a fun and quick activity that lets players discover what leadership skills they have. This simple test categorizes people as one of these animals: Lions, Otters, Golden Retrievers, and Beavers. The game provides a long list of qualities that each animal possesses. While Lions are typically regarded as leaders, other animals have leadership traits as well. After taking the test, spend a few minutes talking about the results. Let each person say what attributes their animal has that would help them be a great leader!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Virtual Escape Rooms <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During these immersive hour-long games, teams must work together quickly to solve puzzles and decipher clues to win before it\u2019s too late!\u00a0Being successful requires problem solving and communication. When playing a challenging collaborative game, leaders often emerge to keep the group moving in the right direction.\u00a0Virtual escape rooms<\/a>\u00a0are one of the very best\u00a0virtual leadership training activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Highs and Lows<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When we are caught up in our own woes, it\u2019s easy to forget that other people have their own problems to manage. This activity works well at the beginning or end of a team meeting. Give each team member two minutes to recount a high or low of their week. Actively listening to another person\u2019s negative experiences allows members to develop empathy for others. If team members want to celebrate a high of the week, then the whole team can join in! By sharing a tidbit of their life, team members move one step closer to trusting relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Virtual Happy Hour<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hosting a virtual happy hour<\/a> is an engaging choice that can incorporate numerous virtual leadership activities that connect remote team members in a social setting. Giving different team members the opportunity to host a happy hour can help them develop their confidence, connections, and communication skills. <\/strong>Rotate hosts so that everyone has a chance to grow. If you want to skip the alcohol, try one of these other virtual events and party ideas<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"mystery<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. Online Mystery Games<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the start of an\u00a0online mystery game<\/a>, your group splits into teams of \u201csecret agents\u201d sent on a top-secret mission! Teams then scour the internet for clues and interpret evidence like video surveillance footage. To solve the mystery, team members must delegate tasks and use their problem-solving abilities like never before. Virtual leadership training has never been so intriguing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Desert Island Survival<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tell the group that they are each going to be stranded alone on a desert island. Ask them to choose just one thing they would bring with them. Go around the group and have everyone say what object they would bring and why they chose it. You can adapt this game to other scenarios, like a shipwreck or a plane crash in the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take this activity one step further by asking the team to consider what roles they would play in a survival scenario. This encourages them to think about their individual talents and skills they bring to the group. For example, would they take charge of gathering food and finding shelter? Perhaps they would take on the task of getting off the island or keeping the group optimistic. Whatever role they choose, team members will see that they have applicable leadership skills to keep the group alive until they are rescued! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. TED Talks on Leadership<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Watching TED Talks about leadership is an excellent virtual leadership development activity. Talks vary on which leadership aspects they cover, but all offer insight into how to be a great leader. Here are a few of the best TED Talks on Leadership your team can watch together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n