How does one deal with staff that he never gets to see?

Specifically for outsourced employees, the fear of constantly thinking that the virtual employee does not measure up to his qualifications could be very daunting.

If one is the manager of a project and oversees the work of his virtual office team, there are several ways for him to become successful in managing them.

Give them clear instructions with an email documenting and explaining the task in detail. Never miss giving them a deadline. Check back a week with them before it is due. You allow your virtual assistant team to handle the task their way and give them feedback after. Offer necessary guidance at all times.

Empower your staff by giving recognition where and when it is due. Express how resourceful and skillful they are when they meet expectations.

Communication is vital. Make certain that the virtual assistant and his manager is in sync. Exchange work goals and processes. Share problems and changes. When there are department or company news, alert them constantly.

Support and commitment. When encouragement and support is present in the virtual workforce, your virtual assistant team can sense it even when they are miles away or countries apart. Guide without breathing down their necks all the time.

Liability. The virtual employee, measured by metrics that the virtual assistant team manager imposed, will objectively determine goals if they are met satisfactorily or not. His responsibility on hitting his target will rely on the communication and hands on support he will be receiving from his team members. If he errs, he should learn.

Again, the virtual assistant team may start well and then start to slack on – or slack later on. One must build his team by being consistent in his support, expectations and commitment. Although each case is unique, one must understand that to know his or her virtual employees, he must also know enough about himself, his business and where the spectrum is appropriate. Managing and empowering your staff will be easier if one knows where he needs to be more involved when communicating and measuring is consistent.

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