How can you manage communication when team members are in different locations?

?? Prioritize clarity above all! I'd emphasize the importance of being explicit and avoiding assumptions when communicating in distributed teams. Remote collaboration opens doors to ambiguity; clear instructions paired with a check for understanding can help bridge that gap. Relying on written communication is valuable, but if you have a, please call to clarify when in doubt. Why leave room for assumptions when precision in communication can save hours of potential backtracking and rework? ???

?? Personally, adept planning is pivotal for managing communication in globally dispersed teams. ?? Utilizing a RACI matrix safeguards against communication mishaps by clarifying roles. ?? Employing project management tools enables visibility and agile decision-making concerning communication goals. ?? Integrating the Critical Path Method (CPM) in planning prioritizes pivotal communications, safeguarding project milestones. ?? Ensuring a consistent communication schedule aids in maintaining team rhythm and cohesiveness in remote settings. ?? Tailoring communication strategies to accommodate cultural and timezone differences is crucial for harmonious remote team management.

I have managed. local, national, multi-national and globally dispersed teams. One key requirement associated with communicating with dispersed teams is their actual geographical distribution. In certain cases language considerations may also apply. Modern communication technologies simplify he communication with and management of geographically dispersed teams. When communicating with such dispersed teams it is important to consider time zone and other considerations (e.g. national public holidays and working days). So, you my need to implement multiple video conferences, to cover all team members, rather than hold a single all encompassing video conference, for example.

Factors such as time zones, languages, cultures, accessibility, reliability, security, and cost are crucial in selecting the best communication tool. Some tools are allowed in certain countries, while others are banned. To overcome this gap, the program manager should build a strong communication plan and carefully identify the tools to use during the program, especially synchronous and asynchronous communication, to ensure the team members allocated over multiple locations are connected and not isolated in silos.

The communication tools available now are far better than 10+ years ago. Utilising desk based video conference sessions with team members that are geographically dispersed simplified cross team communication, identification of project risks, issues, etc. Additionally, such video conference technology aids the adoption/ use of agile style methodologies, i.e. through daily scrums, effective RASCI and Kanban processes, etc. Although agile methodologies my need adapting to meet project/ organisational requirements the scrum approach is likely to be highly beneficial at key point(s) in a project. Though it is necessary to minute and track the video conference scrum meetings, etc., for future reference and to track task allocations, etc.

Utilising a daily 'scrum' style call with geographically dispersed locations is beneficial. These calls should be focused in terms of getting status updates and identifying potential risks and issues that may have been identified. If necessary, additional focused video calls can be utilised, when required. Minutes of all video conferences should be recorded. Details of these minutes should then then be recorded in the appropriate RAID, or other project log(s). They may also, if deemed appropriate, be included in the status log reports provided to stake holder.

1. Your feedback style needs to be simple to understand. 2. Offer a range of opportunities for people to engage and gain feedback, like content, QnA sessions, or events related to program updates. This will help you increase transparency and experience that feels relevant and personal to each individual. 3. Ask how your team members FEEL when they ARE deeply acknowledged for their contributions. 4. Praise them for efforts. Give them recognition that feels authentic and in a heartfelt way, they will take on more challenging tasks and help others to grow in order to achieve them.

This should be a standard requirement of any project, irrespective of the geographical dispersion of teams. You need to enable and support information exchange, etc., between team members. Something that the new video conference technology can help with. Though it is important for project managers to ensure these sessions do not go' off track'. Particularly if the meeting is short. Though focused follow up meetings, to progress/ resolve, etc. 'off track' discussion(s), should be held, when appropriate, between the relevant team members and the project manager.

Building a strong team requires trust and collaboration. Before setting daily stand-up times, gather everyone's input to ensure it suits everyone. Regular retrospectives help gauge the team's culture, enhancing information sharing. Don't forget to foster relationships with non-work conversations during fun sessions or unrelated meetings. When a team member returns from sick leave or an event, take a moment to connect and show empathy. Embrace these human values to strengthen your team. Together, we'll create a more cohesive and productive work environment.

New technologies aid communication between project team members, etc., how are geographically dispersed. This however does not mean that older technologies, e.g. emails do not have a part to play in this scenario. So, consider the best communication method(s) to use, depending on what needs to be communicated. Additionally, remember primary language (and ascent) differences may impact the quality of verbal communication. As may the technical understanding of the individual, in the differences in the infrastructure used in different locations, etc. So, written support of what is covered in video/ tele conferences is essential. As the written record may clarify different understandings and may help redress language challenges, etc.