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Learn how to effectively supervise remote staff, including best practices, pros and cons, and tips for maintaining productivity. Engage in a group discussion to share ideas and resources.
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SUPERVISING REMOTE STAFF CHRIS JEWETT SR FIELD MANAGER MAP
OVERVIEW • DEFINITION OF REMOTE STAFF • PROs/CONs • BEST PRACTICES • THINGS NOT TO DO • GROUP DISCUSSION
DEFINITION Remote staff are personnel who work: • from home • an office located away from immediate supervisor • an office not shared with other staff members • not at a central designated location Two Types • Those who work by themselves daily • Those who come to a central location but then travel abroad to complete their work
BENEFITS OF REMOTE STAFF • Can maintain a larger operational footprint • Provides flexibility in completing tasks • Lower overhead • Provides flexibility in staff schedules • Increased productivity • Appealing to employees/Access to larger talent pool • Less turnover • Impacts more communities
CONs TO HAVING REMOTE STAFF • Security concerns • Lack of constant interaction and sharing • Lack of sharing supplies & equipment • Immediate recognition of good & bad
BEST PRACTICES • Be the same type of supervisor • Establish, communicate and maintain clear expectations • Have several means of communication • Prioritize your means of communication • Utilize technology to fullest • Have solid SOPs, tools and resources in place • Have evaluation and training programs • Understand your supervisory roles
BEST PRACTICES • Maintain adequate in-person meetings • Supervise via engagement vs policy driven • Visually review work areas, work visits and trainings • Utilize impromptu visits • Be reliable, but not necessarily predictable • Build team spirit • Take a person interest in your staff • Be consistent with evaluations and expectations
BEST PRACTICES • Give praise and credit when earned • Understand logistical and geographical constraints • Utilize staff strengths for maximum production • Be quick to identify deficiencies and taking action • Maintain communications with agencies, project POCs and professionals • Access deficiencies fairly • Consistently provide feedback to staff
THINGS NOT TO DO • Treat remote staff differently • Leave staff to their own means • Make assumptions • Go long periods without visits or communication • Ignore red flags/deficiencies • Allow staff to become stale/stagnant • Expect staff to use personal resources
GROUP DISCUSSION • Review the items I presented, and have attendees provide additional ideas, resources, tools and programs • Provide some scenarios to facilitate group discussion