Strategies to Build & Lead Strong Virtual Teams

Presentation Date: Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. CST

Professional competence in a virtual setting has never been more important as Registered  Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are exploring the ways of working virtually amid COVID-19 crisis. This presentation will demonstrate the necessary skills to navigate the virtual workplace  while laying out tools to be an effective virtual leader. The speaker will provide best practices on  effective virtual communication as well as strategies to maintain engagement in a virtual setting, to build trust at a distance, to overcome challenges unique to remote work and to nurture  connections with clients and colleagues.  

  • CPEU: 1.25
Learning Objectives
  1. Identify and address challenges and opportunities of virtual work  
  2. Understand the roles and responsibilities of managing and leading a team 
  3. Identify key tools, technology, and resources to support a strong virtual team 

Performance Indicators

  • 2.1.2 Identifies barriers to effective communication. 
  • 2.3.3 Models behaviors that maximize group participation by consulting, listening and communicating clearly.
  • 2.3.4 Promotes a friendly, cooperative environment that is conducive to employees’ sense of belonging.
  • 3.1.1 Identifies strengths and opportunities for self-improvement and improvement in others.
  • 3.1.4 Communicates clear performance expectations.
  • 4.2.8 Identifies and implements a plan to address the problem, issue or challenge.
  • 5.2.3 Advocates, implements and monitors security and data protection practices
  • 5.2.7 Suggests, develops and/or implements innovative enhancements and new software platforms, applications and technologies to meet the needs of the target group and the environment.
Speaker

Sarah Hendren, MS, RDN, LD, CD,

SHSarah Hendren has a breadth of experience in food and nutrition communications, sustainability and leadership coaching. She began her career working for  Culver’s restaurant chain, and currently works as a Regulatory Affairs consultant for PepsiCo  Frito Lay North America. She is also the Principal Owner of Hendren Group LLC where she  provides leadership coaching to dietitians, helping nutrition professionals improve their business  acumen, executive presence and skills to be effective and confident leaders. Sarah has been recognized by her peers for her outstanding leadership and service. She received the Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Award in 2019 and Outstanding Dietetics Student of the Year in 2013. She was the recipient of the Founder’s Award in 2020 and Circle Award in 2019 from the Dietitians in Business & Communications Practice Group, recognizing her strategic influence, leadership and service to the practice group. Most recently, Sarah has  been nominated for the Outstanding Preceptor Award in the state of Texas, recognizing her  exceptional skills to teach and mentor students in a nontraditional rotation, focusing on business  and leadership development. 

Sarah is actively engaged in her professional community and is seen as an effective leader  and communicator with a strategic vision. She currently holds a position on the Academy’s  Committee for Lifelong Learning and has held numerous executive committee positions with the  Dietitians in Business and Communications Practice Group. Sarah is passionate about serving in  her local community, having served in leadership positions within the Texas Academy of  Nutrition and Dietetics for the past four years.