Managing Virtually

exhibitor q&a

Ask Dan

It's harder to manage my team from afar. What are some tips for handling staff when we don't see each other physically?

Before the coronavirus struck, there were an estimated 4.7 million people working remotely in the United States. That number will surely jump dramatically now, which means the issue you raise might quickly become even more vital.

First, encourage your team to have a set schedule for work. Then, if appropriate, you may wish to use project-management programs, such as Asana or Monday.com, which let you coordinate tasks from afar.

Next, when managing staff, there is no substitute for face-to-face contact. But until we can safely congregate again in groups, I recommend staying in touch regularly via email and text messages, always asking if the recipients understand all assignments and directions. Additionally, establish a regular time for catching up with each staffer via phone or video-chat services. For that, make sure every team member has tools such as Zoom, FaceTime, or GoToMeeting.

Using those kinds of aids, arrange regular one-to-one and group calls with your crew not only to review work projects but also to simply touch base and share a laugh or some small talk. Of course, be conscious of respecting your team members' time, making sure the communications aren't overly long. By consistently connecting with your staff using these practices and technologies, you might find it's the next best thing to being there. E

Dan Lumpkin, organizational psychologist, is the president of management-consulting company Lumpkin & Associates in Fairhope, AL. Need answers? Email your career-related questions to askdan@exhibitormagazine.com.