[consulting] consulting Digest, Vol 40, Issue 4

[Daniel F. Kudwien]

> Monitoring their computer is no different than the way a 
> meter would monitor
> a taxi driver who takes you somewhere -- or would you just 
> let the taxi
> driver charge you whatever he wants when you get to your destination.

Observing someone to track something is the wrong action in the first place.
If you need to "monitor" your contractors, you should increase the level of
trust instead.

a) Negotiate a fixed price and delivery date upfront.

Clever people do this with taxi drivers as well.

b) Setup proper tools to measure progress and success.

Read a book about project management and controlling.  There are several
other indicators that can tell you about the progress of a task and/or
project.  If you need to monitor your contractor while working, then you
have no idea of project management.


That said, oDesk is a nice tool demonstrating new media and serves as good
example for live webcam services built around a online community.  However,
it's the wrong tool for getting things done.

sun

PS: It would be nice if people on this list would learn how to quote:
http://learn.to/quote (click on "English")