The World’s Most Remarkable Office? With Russell Meiselman of Clark Staff

Russell Meiselman is the president and co-founder of Clark Staff. Clark Staff has a unique office in Clark, Philippines, modeled after Minecraft.

Though the pandemic hit the Philippines hard, Clark Staff has expanded to seven countries. Russell focuses on training clients in outsourcing.

In this episode, Russell and Derek discussed implementing a proper management structure, using playbooks and SOPs, and setting smart goals. Russell also stressed understanding cultural differences to utilize outsourced teams.

Proper management structure is key

Russell discusses the importance of having a proper management structure when outsourcing work. He explains that “companies often assume their current structure will scale, but it often does not work for larger teams.”

He stresses having “clear lines of communication, identified points of contact, and defined roles and responsibilities for both the outsourced and internal teams.”

The Clark Staff President also emphasizes setting “clear performance metrics and targets to prevent confusion and misunderstandings.” He notes that “many companies do not have these in place even for their internal teams.”

Further, he recommends outsourcing partners can help clients develop these structures. Outsourcing often forces companies to mature and formalize processes to scale.

Though it can be a rude awakening, it allows for better delegation and efficient use of resources.

Outsourcing is not an “easy button”

Russell does not sell outsourcing as an “easy button” but as a “portal to the next level.”

Though it is not easy and requires hard work, it can transform businesses. He emphasizes understanding the culture of outsourced teams, which affects communication, management structures, and work ethic.

Clients must be willing to learn about the cultural nuances to utilize remote employees effectively.

Implementing Playbooks and SOPs

The Clark Staff Co-Founder recommends that clients implement “playbooks and SOPs, which allow companies to position themselves for scale.” He finds that “many companies lack these when he visits them.”

Playbooks and standard operating procedures provide structure and guidance for outsourced teams. Russell explains, “Outsourcing often forces companies to mature and formalize processes to scale. Though it can be a rude awakening, it allows for better delegation and efficient use of resources.”

With clear processes in place, companies can properly manage larger teams and “scale” their operations.

Russell says, “Outsourcing requires the fundamentals of good management: Clear processes, accountability, and – most importantly – understanding the cultural differences that act as the ‘glue’ holding organizations together.”

Understanding cultural differences

The Clark Staff president stresses that outsourcing requires understanding the cultural nuances of outsourced teams to utilize them effectively.

He states, “You have to understand the culture of outsourced teams, which affects communication, management structures, and work ethic. Clients must be willing to learn about the cultural nuances to utilize remote employees effectively.”

To learn more about Clark Staff, visit their website at www.clarkstaff.com or email Russell at [email protected].