A geographically distributed project team working on an iterative project adopts a new mode of communication following changes in health protocols. The colocated team members are finding themselves challenged with understanding verbal communication and collaboration methods.
What should the project manager do?
In a geographically distributed and iterative project environment, adding collaboration tools to the communications management plan would be the most effective immediate solution. These tools can facilitate clear and consistent communication among team members, irrespective of location, and can help overcome challenges related to verbal communication and collaboration methods. It's important to take a proactive approach in ensuring that new communication methods are structured and documented in the communications management plan to streamline the team's workflow and prevent future communication issues.
By organizing a team meeting, the project manager can directly address the issues, gather input from all team members, and collaboratively develop solutions. This approach promotes immediate action, enhances team cohesion, and ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding new communication methods and tools. Additionally, the project manager can use this opportunity to propose adding new collaboration tools as part of the solution.
Before updating communication plan, the PM must find a solution
Health protocols are prohibiting team meetings in a collocated environment. Collaboration tools allow project teams to exchange resources in a number of different ways, depending on what is needed for a particular task. Tools include document and resource sharing and collaboration, as well as web conferencing.
CHATGPT says A
A makes sense, suppose a team starts to use MS Teams software for communication, so the PM has to add this new MS TEAMS software in communication plans
This option allows the project manager to address the issues directly with the team, fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration. During the meeting, the team can identify specific problems and propose solutions, such as adopting new collaboration tools (as mentioned in option A), adjusting communication protocols, or setting clear guidelines for remote and colocated interactions. This approach not only addresses the immediate challenges but also empowers the team to take ownership of improving their communication processes.