In recent years more and more companies are turning to offshore software development teams to bring their digital projects to life. And why not? Working with top-notch software developers from around the world can be a smart move for your business.
Yet, here's the catch: managing a team scattered across different time zones can be difficult, but not impossible!
If you're ready to improve your offshore team management skills, you've come to the right place.
We've put together five game-changing tips that will make collaboration with your offshore software development team a breeze. So let's dive in!
1. Establish Clear Communication Channels
First things first, let's take a look at the importance of communication. When you're working with a team spread across the globe, effective communication is a must-have. It's the glue that holds your project and your team together.
So, how do you make sure everyone's on the same page?
Choose the right tools
Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype – all these are great for remote workers. Just make sure everyone's comfortable with the tools you choose and knows how to use them efficiently.
Set some ground rules
Establish clear guidelines for communication. Think about:
- When should people expect a response?
- What's the best way to reach out for urgent issues?
- What's the etiquette for online chats?
Lay it all out, so there's no confusion.
Check-in regularly
Arrange to consistently touch base with your offshore development team. It could be daily stand-ups, weekly status updates, or monthly retrospectives. The key is to keep everyone in the loop and address any concerns before they snowball.
Keeps things transparent
Encourage open and honest communication among your software development offshore team. Create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, and feedback. Remember, a team that communicates openly is a team that succeeds.
2. Leverage Asynchronous Communication
Asynchronous communication is a powerful tool when working with an offshore software development team across the world. Why?
Because it allows team members to communicate and collaborate without the need for real-time interactions so that they can work independently and efficiently. Here are some of the best ways to make use of asynchronous communication.
Utilise email and discussion forums
Encourage your team to use email and forums for non-urgent updates and information sharing. This way, your offshore developers can respond when it's convenient for them, without feeling the pressure of immediate replies.
Adopt detailed documentation
Create detailed documentation for project requirements, specifications, and processes. When this is done, everyone on the team has access to important information and can work independently without the need for constant real-time communication. This will save not only their time but yours too!
Use recorded video updates
Encourage your team to create recorded video updates to share progress, demonstrate features, or explain complex concepts. These videos can be watched by other team members at their convenience, reducing the need for lengthy meetings.
3. Schedule Regular Overlap Hours
While asynchronous communication is crucial, it's equally important to have some real-time interactions with your offshore software development team.
Overlap hours are the times when team members from different time zones are available to collaborate and communicate in real time. But how can you do this? Is it even possible? Of course - let us show you how!
Pinpoint the most suitable time
To start, take a good look at your offshore development team's time zones and find the best time for the majority to have real-time meetings. It might require a bit of give and take, but trust us, it's worth it.
Rotate meeting times
To keep things fair and inclusive, try to rotate meeting times every now and then. This allows your offshore developers from different time zones to participate in real-time discussions without constantly burning the midnight oil.
Prioritise important discussions
Use the overlap hours mentioned above for critical discussions, problem-solving sessions, and decision-making. Make sure everyone comes prepared and stays focused for the best results.
Keep meetings concise and efficient
Respect everyone's time by keeping meetings concise and to the point. Prepare an agenda in advance, stick to the allocated time, and make sure that discussions stay on track. This maximises the value of the overlap hours and prevents fatigue and burnout. Your team will thank you for it.
Source: https://www.articlesfactory.com/my/tasks/02b519dd-806a-4941-905d-80ebcde58a56
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