- Exchange team member’s photographs. Use online photo albums like Picasaweb or Flickr or FaceBook (if you’re allowed to use! that at the workplace) – or use at least a Project collaboration tool like ProjectPier which allows you to store your photo along with your profile.
- While conducting meetings, send agenda in advance to the team members.
- Start meeting with a brief story. Story should convey the most important thing that you want to convey in the meeting. Human mind usually likes to hear to stories. It can also help in building interest in the topic if effectively said.
- Exchange web links and photos of regional festivals and other cultural events so that everyone gets exposure to the culture. Sometimes, cultural differences can make the project more interesting.
- Pay high regards to time zones. Do not arrange a meeting which is midnight for another party. Instead, take confirmation in advance about suitable time for the meeting.
- Working in offshore mode is also a big risk. Make sure that it is a part of Project Risks Worksheet.
- Offshore projects need precise Project Communication Plans. It would be ideal if such plans are optimized to be used in specific demographics.
- Being on the same page (obviously, of the same book and of the same edition!) is the most vital thing, however, anticipate and plan for delays caused by miscommunications.
- Make sure that everyone understands Work Breakdown Sheet (WBS) from the same point of view – any doubts or questions should be answered via online brainstorming sessions prior to beginning the work.
- It would be great if any one party (or any one person, say the Project Manager) can go on site to the other party’s place. This would generate more confidence and would reduce communication delays.
- Video conferencing is the idea choice for the meetings – this would enable you to interpret facial expressions.
- Remember, nobody can leave by bread only, they should be “buttered up” time to time – often give reorganization to the team members who deserve it.
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