Transitioning and Hiring

So, this remote manager walks into a virtual bar . . .

No, seriously: this section is geared toward those who have concluded that the future includes some version of your company or department having a remote option—whether you approach the prospect with unbridled enthusiasm or more than a whiff of uncertainty. Rather than suggesting you jump into the deep end of the pool, chapter 5 starts with how to establish an office as “remote-first”—something like going through the motions before anyone actually works off-site—before detailing how best to actually go remote. And since you'll likely (in time) need to hire remote workers, chapter 6 discusses hiring strategy and offers tips on both interviewing and onboarding. Both chapters include a “Feedback from the Trenches” section gleaned from scores of remote-friendly companies, who share some of their before-the-fact fears about both managing remote workers (chapter 5) and hiring them (chapter 6). Spoiler alert: it's not as scary as it seems. In fact, it can be downright great—if you do it right.

Let the adventure begin!