A friend recently filled me in on a career decision she is facing. Her boss is leaving the organization they both work for and wants her to throw her hat in the ring for his position. He clearly believes she is the best person to replace him. She is all for it, except for one consideration. The management position is based in Philadelphia and she lives in New York. My friend isn't willing to move, but wonders if a weekly commute would be workable? We both know that it might work out at first, but over time this weekly schedule could be draining. So we talked about another option.

 

The 20-person staff she would manage is all located in Philadelphia; she is the only team member in New York (close to many of the key clients). Would it work to manage the team virtually? Would the organization accept such an arrangement?