PM ADVISORY:

Important Aspects of Communications for Virtual Team

By Michelle S. Vann, PgMP, PMP
AT&T Global Strategy & Transformation

USA

As stated in the PMBOK, “Communication has been identified as one of the single biggest reasons for project success or failure.” (PMBOK 4th Ed. Appendix G.4) In many companies, we’re virtually-located across the globe. Conference calls, e-mails, and shared websites are key communications tools. We strive to make the best use of everyone’s time as we plan, verify, monitor and control the progress of the project.

One of the most important aspects and best examples of communications for virtual teams is the conference call or virtual meeting. This article will examine the important aspects of communications for virtual teams by focusing on the communication method that utilizes many different skills—a conference call.

Have you ever attended a conference call and asked yourself, “Why am I here?” or “What was the purpose of this call, anyway?” Then, there were other calls that you thought were clear, concise, and right on the mark. What makes the difference between these two types of calls? YOU!

You, as the project or program manager, are responsible for Project Integration Management. Working with virtual teams for over 20 years has led me to develop a checklist, or tool kit that I would like to share with you today. These techniques can be used before, during, and after the call. It may seem simple, but complete execution of all of these steps is a learned habit, and even the best of us can fall short. I urge you to carefully read this article, and then select an item or two that you’d like to add to your personal PM tool kit…

To read entire paper (click here)

About the Author Michelle S. Vann Author Michelle S. Vann, PgMP, PMP, is a Senior Project/Program Manager for AT&T Global Strategy & Transformation. She has supported the global telecommunications needs of both public and private entities for over 20 years. Ms. Vann is currently pursuing a Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification and writing her first novel. She may be reached at MichelleSVann.PgMP@gmail.com.