Remote managers have it tough. They have to get others to cooperate and be on board with their projects and to like them even though they may never meet these people face-to-face, and even though these people may not even be part of the same organization! While a big part of making this happen is using the right technology, what’s more important is being able to convey a human touch in spite of the technology. Three excellent principles for the skilled remote manager include:
- Erring on the side of overcommunicating
- Intentionally getting to know others as people and allowing them to get to know you as a person
- Being aware of and respectful of other’s work procedures, situations, and environments
The following tips, based on these principles, I’ve shamelessly lifted from voices of remote management experience: