Because when the cat’s away, the mice definitely will play. And if they’re truly warped, they will try to undermine you at every opportunity, just because they can. You’d hope that your colleagues are grownups with integrity and a good work ethic, and can and will produce as well with you managing virtually as with you on-site. But taking the temperature frequently is extremely important, as are positive reinforcement (or cheerleading, if you will) and as much face time as you can manage, at least in the early stages.

I’ve been a virtual manager twice, accomplished great things both times, but the first time I focused too much on just doing the job well and not enough on the political dynamics lurking in the background and the culture of the organization. Got blindsided as a result. A painful lesson, but one for which I take full responsibility and have since managed to avoid repeating. Not long ago I actually walked away from a virtual consulting engagement after a week when it quickly became obvious I was looking at a no-win situation because of the above 2 factors.

Fortunately with the tools available to have “presence” and a focus on results, the options are expanding to be effective in supporting business innovation.

Ron Thompson

All the best. Lucien