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Challenges to Working Virtually
By Laurie Sheppard
How Well You Function As An Independent Worker and Communicator
How well do you manage your time? Are you easily distracted by details? Those are some of the important questions you need to ask yourself before choosing a job where a lot of the time you'll be on your own. When you make that choice, you will become a "solopreneur," since there won't be anyone there for immediate give and take to bounce your ideas off and you'll often be the one who needs to generate contacts with others. There will be no quick catch-ups at the coffee machine or water cooler, no spontaneous office meetings. You'll need to work extra hard to communicate with others who are part of your project development team for updates, staying on top of each member's productivity, coordinating teleconferences, and keeping relationships strong. Be sure to set up in advance regular phone session times with key players like your boss, as repeated phone call attempts one-way can cause unnecessary frustration.
Clarity Of Your Role And Theirs
Be clear of the role you're expected to perform and the expectations of others. For companies whose employees are all virtual it is essential for everyone to operate under a unified mission, so there are no misassumptions about what you are agreeing to and who is handling what.
Face-To-Face Contact
You'll want to set up periodic lunch or coffee meetings with local network associates or friends, to eliminate that feeling of isolation and disconnect that occurs when you're working alone. It's essential that even virtual workers have face-to face meetings with their business team with some regularity, so help put those into place.
Being On Top Of Office Management Systems
Do you handle information flow well - such as being able to manage an efficient filing system for paper and emails? If not, it will soon bury you alive. If you know this isn't a strong suit, consider hiring an office organizer before you set things up and before the paper work piles erupt. That way you can create systems you will stick with. Technology will be your number one ally and can be a chief frustration, since you'll rely on it so heavily. Your office has to be equipped with well-oiled machinery and equipment repair specialists' numbers have to be close at hand.
Recognition and Reward
A mistaken belief is that working from home is reward enough. Lack of recognition is a common complaint among my virtual working clients. It's hard to know how your efforts have been received when you're not there when your project input is put into place. Be sure to ask for feedback and offer it to others. Reward programs need to be built in upfront, so find out how you will be included. Don't forget to organize your week to reward yourself and experience the benefits of working at home, like taking two hours off for a gym workout. There is a tendency to overwork, so be leery of this trap, which is, afterall, contradictory to your initial goal, right?
If it sounds like you can respond well to these concepts, then the freedoms of at-home work will be worth it.
About the Author
Laurie Sheppard makes it easy to communicate personal or professional wants and get rewards. Learn 7 simple steps that will maximize your power of persuasion. For complimentary coaching and free coaching tools: http://www.creatingatwill.com
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