101 Tips for Telecommuters—Successfully Manage Your Work, Team, Technology and Family

57. Master Effective (Virtual) Interaction Skills

Telecommuting will pose some unique challenges for you if face-toface interactions seem to be the only way to be truly effective. While no one would dispute that “live” interactions usually are preferable, these are fast becoming more of a luxury. Increases in mergers, acquisitions, and global competition have resulted in a geographically dispersed workforce and growing numbers of telecommuters for many more organizations. As part of this trend, it's critical that you become an expert in the essential communication skills for successful telecommuters.

While you lose some of the communication subtleties gleaned from eye contact, body posture, gestures, and voice tone, you can supplement virtual ...