Managing people remotely is a bitch...I hold them to solid deadlines and keep copies of all correspondence. The vast majority of people I'm assigned are unwilling but they're so whiney they actually send me blackmail material on coworkers...I'm a contractor and I still don't understand their motives but I use it to ensure projects are finished on time. It's one reason I don't want to start a business with a bunch of employees...
I am trying to turn over a new leaf. One that acts with kindness and understanding, but yea I have backed a few in the corner a time or two. They are all pretty much scared shitless of me. But I bend over backwards to help wipe their ass when they cant do anything for themselves. Loan them money and all that, I am a good boss to the most of them.