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Ask HN: How do you effectively manage remote/telecommuting programmers?
In light of the recent headline[1] (and due to my own personal interest), I'd like to revive this Ask HN post[2] that didn't get much commentary. Those wanting to startup "lean and mean" could benefit from some real discussion on this topic.
If you are managing remote workers, what tools are you using to stay on top of things? How do you require your team members to report their status? Do you keep your team members socialized? Tell us about what worked and what didn't.
As a remote worker, what's your take on how your projects are managed? Do you feel like you're getting the support you need? Do you get enough social time with co-workers? Do you socialize online or in person? Any suggestions for improving the telecommute experience?
1 - http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2463240
2 - http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1995354
- avstraliitski 16y agoI usually manage remote workers with a clear spec and a timeframe. If they fail, I offer help and a few chances. After that, their work is reallocated elsewhere and they are fired. This keeps people a little more engaging/realistic with estimates than the 'black hole and hope for the best' model.
- ra 16y agoAlso it's important to use a good ticketing system, and allocate small units of work... i.e. each ticket should take less than a day to complete. To start with, anyway.
- dustismo 16y agoFine grained tasks (at least to start out). Keep fairly constant contact via IM and email. Always talk on the phone at the first sign of a misunderstanding
- gotphp 16y agoI am a remote worker and manage remote workers. I use hivedesk.com to make sure that my remote workers are doing what I pay them to do. In addition, I use hivedesk.com support the hours that I bill my boss too. It works great both ways. Check it out.