The Distance Manager: A Hands on Guide to Managing Off-Site Employees and Virtual Teams

I ordered several books on virtual teams to design a leadership course on the topic. Out of all of the resources, this book was the easiest to read and had the most valuable data. I will be using this book as the main source of data for the class I am designing.

Well organized if not a page turner, this book provides good guidance on what to do as a distance manager, what to watch out for, etc.

Kimball Fisher and Mareen Duncan Fisher document the special skills needed for the new but increasingly common task of managing far-flung work groups. The approaches that they examine are becoming increasingly essential for all managers. Although they explore relevant technologies carefully, their human relations advice is probably more important. The Fishers emphasize the interpersonal and leadership skills that a manager needs to head a virtual team. If you read this book cover to cover, it can seem repetitive, since many of the rules and tips offered in one area overlap with those in other areas. However, the book is designed to allow you to review specific management challenges and technologies, and to ignore areas that are irrelevant to your situation. We [...] recommend this clear, practical work to anyone who leads virtual teams and to the telecommuters and freelance workers who report to them.

This book presents a new approach to managing people from distance. It also gives clear examples and cases. This book is a must for managers who control their team from distance, either nationwide or global-wide.