Sunday, July 3, 2011

Five Ways To...Connect with a Team in Different Time Zones


When you are part of an organisation that has offices across the world and your team too is spread out, communication can be an issue. Moresha Benjamin lists some pointers that will come in handy when working together, wherever you may be.

Keep the network well-oiled
“Interaction is one of the strongest ways to develop a network outside your team. To start with, it could be related to work. Occasionally, you could share your experience, which compliments someone else’s work interest as well,” says Sunil Goel, director at GlobalHunt, an executive search firm. Often, as he points out, one department’s work is held up because of a related department not being proactive enough. A team always gets an opportunity to do its part of the job and should help the related department with information to achieve the goal. A supportive attitude always helps in developing great networking outside the team,” he says.


Use technology
If your team is spread across cities, then technology can come to the rescue. Use video conferencing, emails and keep in touch with what’s happening. This not only cuts down unnecessary commuting but will also save you time so you can start on other important projects, adds Goel. Also, any last minute changes can always be updated and relayed to the team members. Technology comes in handy during emergency situations as well. Form online groups and have forums for discussion and ideation. This way, the information will also be logged.


Get the updates
Make sure to keep yourself up to speed on what work is being done and what needs to get done. Ask for regular updates; only then you can keep tabs on the progress of your team. It not only makes it easier to get the work done but also gives you a head-start in case you are planning to start a new project and ideate, says Sangeeta Lala, vice president, Team Lease Services.


Plan in advance
When you are aware that you and your team mates will not be together, you should always plan meetings and projects well in advance. If an emergency situation arises where one team worker is not able to contribute, the workload can be too much to bear, says Goel. In such a scenario, planning always works. Pan to have an effective team in place rather than planning just for operational and high output reasons.


Meet in person
Technology can help you get your work done efficiently and many a times, easily, but it can never replace the power of a personal meeting, adds Lala. “Meeting in person can keep you clued in to reality. For example, if a worker has personal or managerial issues which cannot be discussed over the phone, he might like to talk it out,” says Lala.


(The Economic Times, Mumbai, 01-07-2011)

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