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I've asked my VAs to share some tips about how they like to be managed. Here's what
they have to say .. and yes, their identies are hidden so you don't snag them away from me ;-). These comments are from 3 types of VAs: techie, admin and sales:- At the beginning, explain so I have a clear picture, correct expectations and can think & make decisions autonomously when appropriate:
- How your company is setup
- Your vision
- I like to know I'm a part of a bigger picture and where I contribute
- Your products and services
- I like to use your product or sit in on your services or trainings so I can understand more about the business, what we offer and our clients.
- It really is all about communication. This is a relationship. If you don't tell me I've not met your expectations, I will think I have and everything is fine.
- It is a bit like training a dog or a boyfriend. Acknowledge & reward positive behavior and you get more positive. Ignore "bad" behavior and you get more of that too.
- A little chit chat is good so our communications aren't always a series of "orders". Chit chat builds relationships.
- Define your terminology and the terminology for your business and your industry right way so that we are on the same page
- Very often disagreements can be boiled down to differences in how words and concepts are defined. Let's get that sorted up front.
- Weekly checkin calls are essential to keeping me on the right track and making sure I've got my tasks in the right priority and that I'm doing them to your desired level of quality.
This is Jenn again: to close, one of my peeps has been with me for a number of years and has also managed remote workers. She reminded me of 2 things we learned the hard way, back in the day:
- Know the VAs strengths and weaknesses. Assign them tasks that are suited to their strengths. Have the weekly checkins so that it will help you determine more clearly if the person is having a learning curve or is just not getting it.
- Keep your finger on their pulse to make sure they are not taking business decisions personally and then quit, act out or stall to "get your attention".
Hope that helped give you some insite into the mind and motivation of your team members that you don't see everyday.
Next week we'll conclude this VA series by hearing from 2 ladies that own VA outsourcing companies
Jenn
- At the beginning, explain so I have a clear picture, correct expectations and can think & make decisions autonomously when appropriate:
How To Manage Me - Tips From VAs
September 22, 2010
