How to manage employees in remote locations

An interesting piece on the issues to be considered when managing remote teams. I believe the seemingly least significant aspects have the greatest impact on the performance of remote teams. I know a coouple of my customers who will find this inspiring.

clipped from www.bnet.com Things you will need: Travel budget: Plan to see employees at least a few times a year. Technology budget: Don’t fall for every fad, but plan to add new tools as they gain traction. Set aside time for regular travel, update calls, and to be available for people in different time zones.    Technology: Research the technologies that best connect people for the types of work they do. See Ten Tools for Remote Teams for ideas.   Routine: Consistency in your work process — quarterly gatherings, weekly phone meetings — provides structure and prevents gaps in communication.   Drive: Members of dispersed teams need to work well on their own. Their managers need to sustain the group’s energy, be available at odd hours, travel a lot, and initiate communication.   Chatter: It gets a bad rap, but chit-chat builds a team. Let remote employees in on tidbits like promotions, births and weddings, and inside jokes.