Work is no longer a place people go to. It is something they do. As more companies leverage the power of mobile technology to create flexible a virtual workforce that is equipped to face the challenges of the dynamic modern business environment, managers must adapt to new virtual management philosophies.
With virtual work teams heralded to become more commonplace, virtual leadership is a necessity for successfully-run organisations. For managers on the front line, it’s a case of move with the times or be left behind.
Managers who shift their emphasis from face time to engagement, flexibility, and consistency will be better equipped to tackle the challenges of today’s economy. They will also be able to take credit for developing loyal and fulfilled employees in their virtual teams.
Here are my six secrets to effective virtual workforce management.
#1: Schedule regular meetings
The bigger and more mobile you become, the more important such back-to-the-floor activity is. I schedule regular meetings using the most appropriate modes of communication. Consider conference calls for general business updates, web conferencing when personally introducing new processes, and mix up training and business planning between web conferencing and face-to-face meetings. Scheduling regular face-to-face meetings is particularly important during the transition period while your virtual team is finding its feet, however becomes less so as your virtual team embraces new competencies over time.
#2: Commit to open communication
When you’re not regularly face-to-face with your team, it can be easy to let daily interaction slide, so you must always be engaged, consistent, and flexible. I always try to keep the lines of communication open by employing at least two different mediums. Provide real-time feedback, be sure to acknowledge good work, and hold back on strong criticism until your mobile team has had the time to properly adapt.
#3: Build trust
Trusting your employees to meet expectations without direct supervision is essential to becoming an effective manager of virtual workers. From day one, communicate goals and expectations clearly and effectively. Goals should reflect quantifiable end results, not process or hours spent on specific projects or tasks. Implement a results-based management program that sets and measures your established goals.
#4: Have a meeting place
Offer employees who work virtually access to a professional workplace when they require it. They need to know they can get professional services and support when required. Provide professional locations where your team can come together face-to-face for meetings with colleagues and clients, or to work on special projects.
#5: Mix your mediums
I’m a great believer in meetings that matter. That means bringing the right people together to get talking, thinking, and making key decisions. You can only do so much via any single communication channel, so the more virtual you become the more important it is to employ a combination of communication mediums. Don’t fall into the habit relying solely on email. There’s a world of video conferencing, instant chat and collaboration technology out there.
#6: Stay the course
It requires conscious effort and a high degree of commitment to adapt to a new management philosophy, so give yourself time to adjust. Trust in yourself and the plans you have put in place. Ensure that you are continuing to manage as a virtual manager and don’t fall back into a traditional style of management when the going gets tough.
Ruth MacKay, Founder and Managing director, OURTEL Fundraising Solutions
