The Distance Manager: A Hands On Guide to Managing Off-Site Employees and Virtual Teams

Book excerpt: Global business demands and new technologies have created a virtual workplace for many companies, with employees and teams routinely collaborating from distant geographical locations on the road, from home, at client sites—even on the other side of the globe. The Distance Manager provides practical information and tools to help managers bridge the communication gaps created by geographical separation, and get peak performance from employees they rarely see. This handbook is perfect for sales managers, project team leaders, senior managers, and anyone who manages people at more than one location. Key topics include: • Using e-mail, teleconferencing, and videoconferencing for maximum effectiveness • Mastering the people skills required to manage from a distance • Virtual team building, and strategies for managing multiple locations