Page 38 - Managing the Mobile Workforce

moving to mobility � 17

5. Collaborate. The success or failure of any technology is
based on user experience and user feedback. Consider
suggestions and feedback to be high-priority communi-
cations. Create a pilot group. Allow it time to use the tech-
nology and to provide feedback regarding the usefulness
of the software, the process, and benefits of improved
efficiency, communications, and productivity.
6. Train, learn, and improve. Train everyone, but be sure
to train managers to be mobile leaders. All managers
should learn the current evolving “best practices” as-
sociated with managing mobile workers. They also need
to understand the key motivators of the employees—the
behavior models of every worker. Determine as a lead-
ership group what inspires the workforce to make their
deadlines, to report the numbers and the impact areas,
and to communicate more effectively. Determine the ex-
pected frequency and channels of communications and
accountability. Provide access to a secure, comprehen-
sive company knowledge base and make it available to
all mobile workers.
7. Support mobile workers as if they were customers. Ex-
ecutives say that they recognize the value of mobile
workers. That means supporting the needs of those em-
ployees and contractors and providing reliable solutions
to their problems. Mobile workers need the relationship
to be built on trust. They also need to have confidence
that the company is paying attention to their efforts and
production. Keep your eye, and budget, on meeting the
needs of these people.