Managing offshored projects can often overwhelm our global clients. They have to work with offshore teams across time zones with the lack of face to face interaction. At times they even lack the knowledge of offshore cultural background. All these factors add to the already complex nature of the project. It is not always possible to work seamlessly like a cohesive co-located team in a virtual team setup (globally located teams). Below are some simple tips that have come from my experience of delivering successful fixed price projects from offshore that can help any organization deliver successful projects across the globe –
- Always align our teams with the business strategy of the client. It is very important to understand how the project is going to benefit the client. This can help us in prioritizing work and delivering what is business critical.
- When the project kick-off is complete, try to know who your onsite team would be. Try to understand what interests them. Interact with the users of the application. The users are the most important stakeholders of any project.
- The offshore project manager or team member communicating to the client should provide as much information as possible back to the entire team. The team will always be excited to know how their efforts are making a difference to the client’s business. If possible always involve the entire team in the calls. Let the team ask questions. Never shy away from information. It is always better to ask question(s) and not ask questions to deliver what we think is correct and does not add any business value for the client.
- Always highlight the team efforts to the client. Any onsite recognition that we can get for our teams always motivates the team. Share project milestone success stories with your onsite counterparts. At the same time do not hesitate to criticize your team members, though through private meetings. They will learn from their mistakes.
- Never over promise and under deliver. It should always be a team decision of what can be delivered and what is feasible.
- Listen to the client needs. Never jump to conclusions about any design decisions. You can always say “You need to think about the feature and come back the next day”. Do not hurry up in taking any decisions to impress. It is ok to say “No” as long as you have data to back up the decision.
- Always over communicate in the onsite offshore model. Do not assume. It is always ok to ask more questions than to assume and leave out on the details. Limited communication or assumptions may lead to rework and thus reduce customer confidence. Highlight even the obvious details.
- Always take notes and send meeting minutes after every status meeting or steering meeting calls. Timely communication always helps in mitigating risks.
- Be very transparent in communicating the daily tasks completed at offshore. Any risks or issues faced in the daily work should be communicated and not hidden from the onsite counterpart. This will help in successful collaborations. We need their support in being successful and building a strong working relationship.
- Always show interest in their local culture. Wishing them on their holidays, birthdays will always help in building a rewarding collaboration.