The Top 5 Traits for Successful Telecommuting

Given a choice, the majority of individuals would opt out of their usual nine-to-five job for the freedom of home-based work, donning their snuggie cape as they do so. It is undeniable that not every individual is comfortable with cohabiting. Certain personalities may be more equipped to thrive remotely, making it challenging for recruiters to differentiate between high performers and those who may be susceptible to postponing work – especially when assessing externally.

It’s crucial to assess the suitability of candidates for a remote working position during job interviews. While many individuals find the idea of home-based work appealing, it’s necessary to take into account specific traits that might help determine whether a candidate is an ideal fit for remote work.

Extroverted

It can be hard to grasp how individuals who thrive in a team setting could also excel in the solitary work-from-home lifestyle. Nonetheless, those who can maintain their motivation levels and prevent themselves from feeling isolated may find this work style advantageous.

It’s evident that extroverts can flourish in the isolated environment of home-based work, much like introverts. Both introverts and extroverts contribute significantly to maintaining high team morale during virtual work. Nevertheless, extroverts may bring an added level of energy and excitement to online collaboration and creating meaningful connections with colleagues whom they haven’t met face-to-face.

As Free as a Bird

The level of external commitments a remote worker has is another crucial factor to consider when anticipating how much time and effort they can contribute. An article published in the Journal of Management in 2023 discovered that individuals without significant obligations, such as raising kids, are more likely to be productive and less prone to engaging in idle behaviour.

Social loafing denotes a psychological occurrence where an individual puts in less effort towards a collaborative goal or objective than when working solo.

Including a few team members who approach work in a more relaxed manner can be beneficial for those with significant family commitments, helping them stay on track and connected with their colleagues in virtual teams. It’s crucial to strike a balance between motivated individuals and laid-back colleagues to establish an efficient and effective team dynamic.

Communication as a Noun

In today’s world of remote work, effective written communication holds immense significance. With the lack of in-person interaction, much of the nuance present in conversations is lost, making it critical to select individuals who can communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally through written platforms. The question is, where can one find such skilled individuals?

Reviewing the emails and memos exchanged with a candidate before the interview can offer valuable insight into their ability to understand and follow written instructions. If there is still any doubt, numerous online communication tests can be administered, or a customised test can be created.

Coordinated

It’s clear that without the routine of an on-site staff and physical office, maintaining crucial key performance indicators (KPIs) can be challenging. Hence, hiring highly precise and self-motivated individuals is critical for remote roles. It’s vital to select individuals who can consistently meet deadlines and ensure timely delivery.

To find the ideal candidate for a remote position, it’s recommended to begin by determining a potential employee’s Myers-Briggs type, specifically their Judging vs. Perceiving tendencies. Individuals with a higher inclination towards Judging tendencies are often well-suited for remote work. These individuals typically exhibit high motivation, punctuality, and pay close attention to detail. They uphold a strong sense of responsibility and ensure they meet their commitments, making them an excellent fit for an online work setting.

Familiar with Ambiguity

Since remote work is notoriously unpredictable, it’s crucial to have a team that’s comfortable with such situations to support your managers and team leaders. When hiring, it’s vital to search for individuals who can take the initiative and make decisions independently even in the absence of clear guidance or policy. This will help avoid bottlenecks in processes and ensure efficient task completion.

Research has found that individuals who score higher on the Intuition scale of the Myers-Briggs Personality Test, as opposed to the Sensing scale, may be better equipped for certain situations. Those with a strong intuitive sense can interpret underlying meaning, maintain composure amidst uncertainty, and utilise flexible environments, such as remote work, to schedule their own tasks.

Keeping the above-mentioned advice in mind should ease the process of recruiting and assembling virtual teams in the future.

Another option to consider could be having potential employees take a Leadership Quotient test to assess their suitability for remote work. Instead of merely reading about it, why not take the test yourself and share your experience with the community in the comments? Personally, after taking the test, the results indicated that I would be an excellent candidate for working from home.

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