Is It For You?:
Telecommuter
Profile
Telecommuting
Self-Assessment
Telecommuter Profile
Based on the experiences
of numerous organizations, successful telecommuters typically possess
the following characteristics, traits and skills:
- Planning & organizing
abilities.
- Time management
skills.
- Independence
(works successfully without close supervision).
- Low affiliation
needs.
- Strong communication
skills (written & verbal).
- Supportive family/home
environment.
- Self-motivated.
- Self-disciplined.
- Strong performance
record.
- Technical ability/high
job knowledge.
- Strong work ethic.
- Computer proficiency
(hardware, software, peripherals).
In addition
to fitting this typical profile, prospective telecommuters should think
twice about telecommuting if they:
- Have high affiliation
needs.
- Must be in an
"office" to be motivated to work.
- Are easily distracted
by household demands (tasks, family, etc.).
- Do not have a
supportive/cooperative family situation.
- Do not have reliable
child care arrangements during work hours.
Wherever there
are telecommuters, there are usually telemanagers. Distance managing
requires so many of the skills and abilities that are critical to the
evolving role of manager/supervisor to leader/coach.
If you are functioning
as a telemanager, keep in mind the following characteristics, traits
and skills that will contribute to your effectiveness:
- Performance management
based on results.
- Effective interpersonal
communication (face-to-face and via technology).
- Honor commitments
(e.g., face-to-face or phone meetings).
- Effective coaching/feedback
skills.
- Relationships
built on mutual trust.
- Planning & organizing.
- Openness to change.
- Computer proficiency.
- Ability to effectively
telecommute or understand the basic criteria for successful telecommuting.
