Baltimore-Washington SIG        

Topic: Creating Virtual Teams that Communicate Well

Since the invention of virtual teams, people have not changed.  Communication has not changed. Technology has changed. Technology seems to distract us from focusing on the real issues. It is touted as a savior; a savior with no brain and no knowledge of psychology. Technology enables us, but it does not solve problems. In this session, I will explore the impact of removing daily face-to-face interaction and replacing it with virtual teams.

How to build trust.

How to facilitate two-way communication.

How to maintain a knowledge base.

Speaker: Heather Applegate 

Heather Applegate, toastmasterhla-2006@yahoo.com  is a Technical Instructor for BMC Software.  BMC Software provides IT software that focuses on business needs.  Heather’s focus is on the Remedy product line that includes software to Request, Support, Integrate and Govern.  ITIL V3, which is a framework for “running IT departments,” is another focus of hers at BMC. She teaches in the classroom and online. She leads 20 Toastmaster clubs as a Division Governor for Toastmasters International.  Heather loves public speaking and is always looking for opportunities to utilize the skills she has gained in Toastmasters.  Heather received her BA from Rutgers in Philosophy in 1996 and a MA in Communication from Montclair State University in 2003. Heather realized during her graduate program that in the future she would be competing for jobs with people from all over the world. Virtual teams allow us to put together teams that have no geographic boundaries. She has worked on virtual teams since the late nineties. Some teams have been amazing. Some teams were just on paper - everyone worked separately but we got together monthly for a “team” meeting.

SIG Description: The Baltimore-Washington SIG aims to bring together OD professionals from the Baltimore-Washington region who are interested in sharing best practices for developing high performing teams. Monthly programs will include opportunities to experience team-building activities, and to discuss and share current interpersonal and group process topics and experiences.

Vision/Mission: TBD

Who would benefit from attending: Organization Development professionals

Venue:
Booz Allen Hamilton
Airport Square II
900 Elkridge Landing Rd.
Linthicum MD 21090- (close to BWI airport)

RSVP by:  Pat Foye (foye_patricia@bah.com   | 301-821-8522)

Meeting Frequency & Format: Second Wednesday of each month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

6:00-6:30pm Networking
6:30-8:00pm Program

SIG Leader Bio:

Pat Foye has a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Johns Hopkins University and Skilled Facilitator Master Certificate from JHU. For two decades, Pat has been active in the learning and development industry, designing and delivering unique learning programs that incorporate experiential learning elements. Pat has facilitated training on MBTI, leadership, team effectiveness, facilitation, communication and feedback. As an internal consultant, Pat built an innovative OD consulting practice that provided adoption risk assessments for technology implementations. While at Booz Allen, Pat has helped to grow their internal team effectiveness resources and services. Pat is passionate about helping organizations succeed by improving people and team processes.