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Results of our Survey Managing From a Distance On this page... Telecommuting
Telework is on the rise. Depending on which source you refer to, between 7 million and 60 million workers currently do at least some of their work from home. Although sources don't agree on the number of teleworkers, they do agree that telework is growing at a phenomenal rate. Managers, who only a few years ago, had barely a passing knowledge of the telecommuting concept, find themselves trying to manage people remotely. Without a solid understanding of what it takes to work successfully with telecommuters, managers find themselves lost. Managing telecommuters and other teleworkers is not as exotic as it seems. According to, the telecommuting guide offered by Pacific Bell, "Remote management is not much different from managing people on-site. It involves basic management skills which include setting goals, assessing progress, giving regular feedback and managing by results. In fact, managers of telecommuters have reported that their own overall management skills increased." However, there are some differences in how we need to handle teleworkers. Most important, is knowing how to select the right jobs and workers for a successful implementation. You wouldn't try to setup a telecommuting arrangement for an ICU nurse, anymore than you would choose someone requiring a great deal of supervision, to work from home. A successful teleworker program requires preparation and part of that preparation is training. Managers need training, so do the teleworkers, and frequently - - the workers left back at the office.
As technology provides more and more sophisticated communication tools, the capacity for individuals to come together into teams that surpass physical boundaries, increases tremendously. Using phones, email, the intranet and a variety of on-line software solutions for virtual meetings, teams everywhere are changing the way teams function. Virtual teams create some unique communication challenges. Employees and managers alike, must become proficient in technology that provides the tools for virtual meeting. They must learn how to communicate accurately, and efficiently in order to receive the appropriate responses that move the team towards its goals.
Some of Our Training Programs: Managing from a Distance Help for managers of teleworkers or leaders of virtual teams. Addresses the unique concerns of the virtual workplace. When Two Worlds Collide: How to Work Effectively From Home Explores how we can cultivate our sense of professionalism, and cope with the isolation and distractions of working at home.
Relevant Articles Managing from a Distance
Is Working From Home Really for You?
Related Websites & Books on this topic
Cindy Ventrice email: CVentrice@potential-unltd.com Training Solutions for the Virtual Workplace program FAQ's articles e-zine telecommuting resources home © Copyright Potential Unlimited Seminars, 1999 |