101: Managing From Afar
With SmartPhones, iPads and laptops, employees who don't physically work in the office are becoming more common. More supervisory types are overseeing remote employees. Here are three ways to make sure the job still gets done while keeping your employees engaged:
Hone in on deliverables. To some extent, managing remote workers means letting go, says an article at Telogis.com, and looking at the situation from a broader perspective. Making clear the goals to be achieved and then letting the workers determine how they get completed can be beneficial. “This can have the added bonus of engaging the creativity and initiative of your staff to achieve the desired outcomes,” allowing them to become, more fully invested in their work, the article says.
Track performance. Once deadlines and projects are clearly communicated, writes Mary Lorenz in an article at CareerBuilder.com, it's important to show who is responsible for each part of a project. Tools like Basecamp and Dropbox can be helpful, as are quick reports, outlining what workers accomplished during the week, the obstacles they encountered, and what they'll do the next week. “Flash reports not only set expectations, but they hold people accountable” Lorenz says.
Be available. “Don't let employee calls go (to voicemail)” if possible when managing mobile workers, advises an article at CBSNews.com. Also, “Beware of using sarcasm and teasing in distance interactions, like email and conference calls, where signals can easily get crossed.” And communicate in different ways, like in person, so employees feel part of the team.
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Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
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