So, how do you deal with the quirks of having a virtual company. There are so many hidden problems and out front benefits. Some people say that it would never work – that you need the culture of the company that comes out of the face to face interactions of employee’s. i think this point alone has standing – there is always something gained from human interaction. But, it doesn’t have to be limited to work – perhaps we can have lives out side of work. Perhaps we our lives can somewhat dictate our work habits rather then the other way round.
I don’t understand German – but in the video of Mark Harrison one gets the point that it is a lifestyle that a company like this, AHLLC, offers that is hugely beneficial. It is nice to sit in your own garden, eat breakfast and do some work. Hell, who can argue with that.
Yet, there is this other side that comes from all the “flexibility” of a virtual company.
Discipline! It takes a type of person to get self motivated to do the work. It also takes a set of clear guidelines and requirements for your work to be most efficient and beneficial. You don’t have the benefits of the moment by moment interaction that you get in a live company.
I think this is part of the paradox. From the flexibility a type of discipline and self motivation is required. Perhaps most people aren’t used to that, perhaps it takes a certain passion.
What I do know is I love being home with my pregnant wife and being part of the daily existence. Rather than disappearing for 10 hours a day to another world that in no way interacts with this world. Work/Life. Life/Work.
You pick.
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You said it Saul. Discipline is key. Just because we aren’t physically “at work” doesn’t mean we are free to roam and do other things during the time we’ve designated to do work. The convenience is that we can arrange work around our lives, true – but the fact remains that the work needs to be done in spite of whatever distractions working from home (or anywhere else) offers. The question we need to ask ourselves is: Do I prefer the flexibility of being home in spite of the necessity of sometimes difficult to muster self discipline and self control? Or would I rather be in a cubicle somewhere away from my family with some slave driver cracking a whip? (I guess my wording of the question makes it clear where I stand..) Great Post.
Interesting to ponder for sure. Working in a home office is like having a perpetual blinking light saying ‘more work to be done’. Somehow that light doesn’t shine as brightly from an office 10 miles away. :) Nonetheless, seeing my kids grow has been a joy.
Just Pownced this:
I’ve been doing this for over eight years now and have to admit: the *best* aspect is little face-to-face people contact and the *worst* is little face-to-face people contact. Why? I am a strong ENFJ (extravert, intuitive, feeling, judger) thus the extravert loves the people distraction so I am easily distracted in my work so having my own office gives opportunity to focus. BUT, people contact is *good* for me (and others) ’cause I am *motivated* by people. Perhaps this is why I enjoy Twitter and Pownce: bits of encouragement through the day. Hope this quickie response helps!
I am in a situation where I work a week in the office, and a week from home. My home office is the key. Right now, my family and I are in the process of moving, and my home office is in disarray. So, I find it challenging to be productive at home. When my home office is orderly, neat and clear, I can accomplish more. There are distractions in either office, and being able to change gears quickly is a skill which must be developed… okay, enough distraction — back to work. :-)
I love the virtual office and the ability to work from my home office. It is difficult at times though because obviously running a company virtually is complicated in many ways from the smallest distractions (I have to make the coffee, the copies and run errands all the time) to larger issues like keeping the work flow in check. When your company deals with hundreds of thousands of people and it is just you taking calls or sending email (for the most part) your sick day is not their problem. It’s tough but rewarding and I’m hoping that bringing other staffers into the virtual office will be the answer.