Team Communication
From apse
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[edit] Problem
Communication breakdowns can effect team coherency, effecting both the ability to complete a project and the intention of the project. The larger the group working on a given project, the greater the need for successful communication. The larger the group, the more chance that failed communication will result in an unsuccessful outcome.
Having a team that spans over two countries lead me to a problem in communication. I was supposed to set up an interview in Canada but I could not make it because of finances and I was not able to contact them on the phone again.
[edit] Context
A project has become severly impaired by a lack of team communication, verging on failure.
[edit] Discussion
Two types of communication:
1. Team communication/ communication amongst those working on a given project
2. Audience communication/ sending the desired message
Meetings can be chaotic and unproductive if attendees don't agree on how the communications are conducted. For that reason, communication processes should be "normalized" to promote more effective meetings.
UPDATE Scheduling a meeting dedicated to creating characters for The Loading Screen was an exercise in excellent communication. Our team listened to one another and was able to remodel the foundations of the show with compromises.
Websites featuring project management software can be a useful tool in facilitating team communication.
[edit] Solution
Normalize communication: daily or weekly checkins, designate a universal communications method. Will all communications be verbal, emails, phone? Set procedures for meetings and do your best not to deviate. Project participants should bring ideas to the meetings for discussion.
Related Patterns: Attitude, Creativity, Challenges, Evaluation, Teamwork
