Outsourcing Anti-patterns

Beyond the marketing buzz of "getting your job done in one click" (for employers) and respectively "working online makes your life a walk in the park" (for employees) outsourcing is more like a new genre to be mastered both by managers and executives, since getting a job well-done is both art and science.

An online job intermediation company like Freelancer (and many others) is a great place for a youngster to gather experience in human resources, because in a couple of years one can meet a big variety of collaborators - both managers and executives. It's neither easy nor smooth, but the steel is hardened by heat. 

The virtual job markets are very attractive to startups, because this informal work environment with flexible costs is ideal for doing experimentation, the core process for shaping a successful business. Unfortunately the below approaches are rather anti-patterns:

The Brainstormers: if they have a good sense of time management, then you will have to sit too many hours of meetings; otherwise you will be the target of instant text or voice chatting sessions day and night. They have difficulties setting goals and directions, and are expecting the employees to keep the boat floating - in general not a realistic idea.

The Scientists are building experiments and are learning from the outcomes, being more interested in elaborating new experiments than in their product. They have good technical skills but little or no people skills, and the contractors are running away because of the random requirements or an improper manager delegated to drive the business.

The Magicians are promising persistent work hours, consistent bonuses, good business outcomes against the odds. They are funny and charming, it's a pleasure to spend your time with them, but after some time you will need to step back to continue with your life, just like their customers.

The Gold diggers are risk-takers, the first who are taking action within commercial conditions reshaped by political, technical or other changes. They have the necessary people skills to attract work force, but will always avoid to sign a win-win type agreement. Ultimately they are good guys, because they are offering you the chance to get out of some hopeless situation, but on the long run you need to look for opportunities elsewhere, because they are always focused on short-term gigs.

The Godfathers might maintain a familial and caring atmosphere, or an uncertain "divide and rule" environment, or a combination of both. Either way they are expecting employees to listen and execute, and you will never know the differences between their words and thoughts - not a good working recipe on a rapidly changing market.