Virtual Communication
Sheila’s company has instituted severe austerity measures on all projects. Travel restrictions are so bad that her project team members are complaining they have to get approval to go to the bathroom. She has team members spread over many time zones and, because this makes scheduling telephone conferences difficult, is having difficulty keeping her team on track. Two problems make her life miserable:
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She cannot simply travel to another location to meet people face to face and get a feel for the situation.
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She cannot have project team leaders attend the old twice monthly meetings to plan, coordinate and resolve issues.
Sheila sees the results of no face-to-face interactions appearing. Distrust is growing. The design lead is arguing with the development lead over document updates. The development lead is arguing with the implementation lead over expectations. They disagree over who said what and when. They even disagree over disagreeing.
Restoring Communications--Virtually
Sheila is not doomed. There is an alternative to her face-to-face meetings. Properly used, a team collaboration site (wiki’s, Lotus Notes Team Rooms and the like) can be a critical hub for communication and interaction. A team collaboration site can provide:
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Immediate communications, such as news about schedule changes
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