Virtual managers must anticipate communication breakdowns and have the skills at hand to minimise the effects. Some simple suggestions:
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Get staff to communicate their hours and current pipeline tasks to the team
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Instant message or email staff where you have a quick question
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Schedule daily phone/skype updates to keep an eye on their workload and progress
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Have monthly staff meetings over coffee and scones
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Celebrate staff birthdays
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Have quarterly staff planning and training days
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Bring the staff together for formal social engagements
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Out of sight, out of mind? Remember to reward great work!
Recognise the warning signs. If a staff member is missing deadliness then nip it in the bud and get the communication back on track. Remember that everyone enjoys working in different ways - there is no right or wrong. Try to focus on the results and outcomes, not the process.