Effective Remote Management at Georgia Regents University: Tips for Success

1. Scott Argo & Erin Chadwick • Georgia Regents University The Regional rep hasleft the building… 1

2. GeorgiaRegents University • Georgia’sPublic Academic Health Center • Located in Augusta, Georgia • Formerly Georgia Health Sciences University and Augusta State University • Comprehensive Research University • 2 Augusta Campuses • 5 Remote Clinical Campuses throughout Georgia • Approximately 10,000 students 2

3. Why Remote Employees? • Presence in specific territory • Accessibility to potential students • Cost effective solution to recruitment 3

4. Before you Start… • Make sure you are up for the task of managing remotely • Passion • Availability • Patience • Reliability 4

5. Hiring: Rules for Success • Surround yourself with the very best people • Give them something meaningful and challenging to do • Keep them engaged • Reward them 5

6. The Hiring Process • Establish a screening committee • Phone interview first • Take your time • Allow staff interaction • Campus tour (training from the beginning) • Lunch and learn • Require a presentation 6

7. Communicate Expectations • Working hours • Working location • Technology & usage • Performance objectives • Physical home office space 7

8. Provide the Right Tools • Laptop/Docking Station • Tablets • Phone • Hotspot/Wi-Fi • Office Supplies 8

9. Manager Tip #1Integrate Employees • Encourage ownership • Share information • Define employees role • Say thank you 9

10. Manager Tip #2Communication is Key • Managers must work hard to ensure that their employees do not feel isolated • Develop interpersonal communication • Use multiple avenues 10

11. Manager Tip #3Establish Trust and Respect • A manager’s communication style sets the tone for how the team will communicate with each other • People need reasons and explanations behind actions; this conveys respect for their thoughts and feelings • Respect is earned, not demanded. Those that demand respect actually destroy it 11

12. Manager Tip # 4Build a Team Culture • Foster inter-team communication • Create partnerships amongst remote employees for projects • Form virtual water coolers and opportunities for small talk, re-living past successes, humor and experiences 12

13. Manager Tip #5Create Accountability through Self Monitoring • Clearly outline goals • Create responsibility • Generate individual accountability with a self-monitoring system 13

14. Manager Tip #6Training is Key • The speed at which you build competency with employees is important due to costs and limited visual interaction • On-going mentoring and training is critical to keep employees connected to the organization • Managers should think of each remote employee’s development as a continuous process 14

15. Manager Tip #7Handle Conflict Promptly • Don’t ignore employee performance issues until a more convenient time (out of sight, out of mind) • Often there is no one that can pick up the slack of a remote employee – fix it fast so a gap does not develop 15

16. Employee Tip # 1Get Organized • Demonstrate outstanding organization and attention to detail • Each time you follow through on one of your projects, you will gain more trust and be included in higher-level ones 16

17. Employee Tip #2Check-In Frequently • Remain in touch…if you aren’t seen or heard, you are not thought of for new opportunities • Use multiple forms of communication such as Skype video conferencing and instant messaging, and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone • Identify the best means of communication 17

18. Employee Tip # 3Network • Build your soft skills by networking in person and via social media with co-workers and other people in your profession. • Make time to go to your company’s training programs and holiday parties • Participate in as many networking events and conferences as you can 18

19. Employee Tip #4Pace Your Work Day • Without formal meetings and lunch breaks, you need to manage your own schedule • For every hour you work, take a 5-10 minute break. By doing this, you are mimicking the natural pace of office life 19

20. Employee Tip #5Work in a Productive Space • Your dining-room table, the living room, or your neighborhood Starbucks may do the trick • Use a variety of work settings to avoid boredom; mix things up and get the creative juices flowing 20

21. Employee Tip #6Use Collaboration Tools • It is important to show you are engaged throughout the day • By using tools such as Google Docs, colleagues can see your real-time edits, comments and projects 21

22. Employee Tip #7Communicate in a Timely Manner • Make replying to your managers’ e-mails a high priority • When you respond, be clear and concise. The connections are not always clear 22

23. Contact Information • Scott Argo • sargo@gru.edu • 706-667-4095 • Erin Chadwick • echadwic@gru.edu • 404-809-8186 23