In one of the most stunning, non-progressive moves seen from a technology company, Yahoo! has banned working from home. The justification was to improve speed and quality by working side-by-side as one. This begs the question – is the issue really virtual work or the lack of good management coupled with an inability to capitalize on the virtual work environment?
There is a New Currency:
The truth is that the new currency for top tier talent is freedom. These people came to the realization long ago that gold-watch retirements are a thing of the past, and to ensure a long-term career meant taking matters into their own hands. Since the benefits offered by corporations such as insurance and paid vacations are not part of this new world of work, freedom and flexibility became the desirable traits.
Spend the New Currency with Better Management:
Progressive companies attract creative, productive talent with the way they “manage people,” which truthfully is not to manage people at all. Rather than buy into the “productivity can only be seen” mode of thinking, companies that embrace the virtualization of work product attract that always sought after motivated self-starter.
To capitalize on this new work currency, companies must:
• Manage the process and outcome, not the people.
• Utilize more peer to peer management to encourage collaboration.
• Invest in cloud technology to manage projects.
• Understand virtual collaboration both from a technology and communication standpoint in order to get the best ideas.
• Physical presence does not improve creativity. Creative people engaged in the idea and committed to a solid outcome do.
$2 Bills Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time:
Forcing people to return to a cubicle breeds a level of mistrust. Obviously those who have enjoyed the freedom of virtual work environments will feel that they are not empowered to perform their job on their own. The top tier talent won’t make the cubicle walk of shame. They will simply find another place to commit their talents. Only those who feel they do not have a choice will succumb.
About The New World of Work: From the Cube to the Cloud:
The New World of Work: From the Cube to the Cloud is the new, eye-opening book that underscores startling statistics about the global labor force. The New World of Work provides the knowledge to propel careers and businesses forward with a better understanding of next-generation work by explaining how to become a Virtualpreneur™ and highlighting how businesses can compete for virtual talent. Learn more by visiting www.newworldofwork.com.
About the Authors:
With more than fifty years of combined leadership experience, Tim Houlne and Terri Maxwell stand at the forefront of a transformation reshaping everything we know about careers and talent strategies. Tim Houlne is a visionary whose longstanding, futuristic predictions about the virtual workforce are now a reality. He recognizes and understands market trends, and uses that unique knowledge to transform industries across the business landscape. His understanding of the virtual workplace is unparalleled, and his drive to uncover new concepts is matched only by his passion for growing profitable businesses. Tim holds the position of CEO at Working Solutions, a premier virtual agent and technology solutions provider in Dallas, Texas.
Terri Maxwell provides game-changing insights to transform businesses, people, and industries. She is a powerful, passionate leader known for simplifying formulas for success and igniting potential. In a career spanning more than 20 years, Terri puts her talents to work for large and small companies, and is a well-known consultant to businesses and entrepreneurs seeking to accelerate growth. She built numerous successful companies and created an impressive and well-known business incubator, Succeed on Purpose Inc. in Irving, Texas.
Available at major online retailers:
The New World of Work: From the Cube to the Cloud By Tim Houlne and Terri Maxwell
Publisher: Inspire on Purpose Publishing (February 13, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0982562276
ISBN-13: 978-0982562277
