Kyle Krzmarzick

Communication is key, says Kyle Krzmarzick, area manager for CDI, a staffing firm that specializes in engineering and information technology.

"Regularly scheduled conference calls or videoconferencing is a must," he says. "Goal setting and follow-up on action items is a good way to get in the loop with people you manage remotely. [You can have] quick status meetings where action items are delivered, then a follow-up meeting to close the loop."

Companies are increasingly measuring employee performance and activity, says Krzmarzick. For example, salespeople are increasingly responsible for tracking client calls, meetings, pending deals, etc., in some type of sales force automation software. Regardless of where the person sits geographically, the manager is able to keep up on what's happening now, what has happened already and what might happen.

"If true coaching is needed, then I'd recommend working face to face," says Krzmarzick.

Communication is key, says Kyle Krzmarzick, area manager for CDI, a staffing firm that specializes in engineering and information technology.

"Regularly scheduled conference calls or videoconferencing is a must," he says."Goal setting and follow-up on action items is a good way to get in the loop with people you manage remotely. [You can have] quick status meetings where action items are delivered, then a follow-up meeting to close the loop."

Companies are increasingly measuring employee performance and activity, says Krzmarzick.For example, salespeople are increasingly responsible for tracking client calls, meetings, pending deals, etc., in some type of sales force automation software.Regardless of where the person sits geographically, the manager is able to keep up on what's happening now, what has happened already and what might happen.

"If true coaching is needed, then I'd recommend working face to face," says Krzmarzick.