Question: Our division just went through a reorganization, and I guess you could say that I’m one of the lucky ones because I still have a job – although it remains to be seen if this really is a good thing or not.  I’m concerned because my new boss, whom I’ve never met, is in another part of the country.  What’s the best way to make myself known and deal with this long-distance relationship? 

Deb's Answer: 

Virtual has arrived. 

Increasingly common, working on a team that is dispersed geographically brings with it a distinct set of challenges.  Like many of us, you’ve probably grown accustomed to having face-to-face access to managers.  Shaping this new but critical relationship with a remote manager will set the stage for your ability to perform efficiently and effectively.  Here are three guidelines to support your efforts:

   Reach out.  The throes of reorganization place extreme demands on time and resources, and yet the need for a substantive exchange between you and your new manager remains a priority.  Find a way to carve out the space for meaningful introductions to occur between the two of you.  Diplomatically but persistently push for a personal meeting to make this connection.  This will offer the benefits of eye contact, a handshake and live observation.  In addition to the opportunity to understand your manager’s agenda, you’ll have a chance to share your goals and make a personal connection that will carry over the miles when you’re in your separate locations.  Keep in mind that emails, phone conversations and voice mail messages leading up to the meeting all contribute to that first impression.

   Clarify expectations.  A dangerous barrier to relationship building, whether in person or virtual, is a lack of communication around expectations.  Being in the middle of the implementation of a major reorganization brings with it the risk of each person proceeding full speed ahead unwittingly down divergent paths.  Talk early on and often thereafter to make sure the company’s strategic direction, your manager’s priorities and your own goals are synchronized.

   Check in Routinely. Take responsibility for furthering the relationship between you and your manager.  This is your career and you have the most to gain by taking the initiative to stay connected.  Fostering the relationship will require extra effort and discipline on your part, which may include determining her style of communication, accommodating time zone differences, and making calendar reminders to yourself to get in touch.  Discipline around staying connected will dramatically shrink the working distance between the two of you.