3 Tips for a Successful Working Relationship with Your Remote Boss

Since the invention of the internet, it has become commonplace for corporate offices to open satellite locations across the nation or even the globe. Chances are that at some point in most people’s careers, they will encounter a situation that requires them to work under the supervision of a remotely located boss or supervisor. I have personally been working in an arrangement like this for the past six months, and through trial and error have discovered three simple strategies that have contributed to a successful working relationship with my remote boss.

Figure Out Any Time Difference Issues

In my case, my boss is on EST and therefore two hours ahead of me. I’ve learned to check my e-mail before I leave for the rush hour drive to the office. This way, I can respond to any issues or questions she may have had when she started her workday, which was probably while I was still sleeping. The same rule applies for critical issues that need to be discussed. Don’t procrastinate and wait until the end of your workday to send that crucial e-mail or to make that decisive phone call. If your boss is in a time zone ahead of you, they may have already left for the day, or if they’re in a time zone behind yours, they may be taking a long lunch. Resolve any issues that require upper level input in a timely manner. Depending on your industry and business environment, it may be beneficial to discuss the possibility of you adjusting your work schedule to further complement the hours your boss is available. Even clocking in a half hour earlier or later can make a huge difference in some cases.

Don’t Take Advantage of the Arrangement

It can be extremely tempting to take an extra long lunch break or work on your blog when you’ve got some downtime. After all, who’s going to know? It’s not as if your boss can just pop around the corner and spy on you, right? Before you get lulled into a false sense of security, remember that there are still eyes and ears in your office, and some bosses will use them to their advantage when it comes to keeping their employees in line. More and more companies are tracking the web activity initiated by their workers. Also, if your boss has been frantically trying to get a hold of you after you were supposed to be back from lunch (according to your Outlook calendar), is it really so far-fetched to imagine them calling someone else in your office and asking them to flag you down when they see you next? Believe me, this does happen so your best defense is to do your job and act like an adult. If you need an extra long lunch for some reason, ask permission first. Your boss will appreciate being kept in the loop and put more trust in you going forward.

Arrange a Face to Face Meeting

If possible, try and arrange an in person meeting between you and your boss as soon as both your schedules permit. Talking to a disembodied voice on the phone for too long can eventually result in a slight loss of respect by both parties involved. Besides, it’s much nicer to be able to put a face with a voice. Another benefit of a face to face meeting is your chance to make a new first impression; especially if you got off on the wrong foot with your boss initially. If this cannot be done for whatever reason, you may want to consider having a one-time introductory web chat complete with web cam access. Granted, not all bosses may be up for the idea, but most should appreciate your tenaciousness regardless.

While not having your boss down the hall can be stressful at times, at others it can be a blessing. Like when you’ve had too many margaritas the night before and your face shows it. Above all else, keep working at the relationship and over time you will both fall into a pattern of communication that is seamless and a relationship that is thriving.