Effective communication tips for outsourcing software development.

Effective communication is a critical success factor for any software development team. We communicate in several ways including talking, actions, written word, diagrams etc. All of these means of communication should be used to implement an effective communication strategy. 

Here are a few tips on how you can ensure effective communication with your Outsourced/Nearshore team. These are based on our experience at www.forbytes.com, our Nearshore teams work with companies in Europe.

• Collocate on a regular basis and get to know each other.
• Focus on building trust and teamwork
• Have regular morning meetings with your nearshore team.
• Listen to recommendations! People are always more open to understanding your view if they feel their opinion is valued.
• Document your requirements using a standard pattern for consistency.
• Have one communication strategy that identifies “The one source of truth”. For example use JIRA for your detailed requirement management, not emails
• Visualise all the components that make up the product/service with a Product Breakdown Structure (PBS) http://www.donlowe.org/project-management/product-based-planning/product-breakdown-structure/
• Visualise how you will build your product or service to give value early in the build phase (product flow diagram) http://www.donlowe.org/project-management/product-based-planning/product-flow-diagram/ You can use this same diagram to report progress.
• Define clear processes so that there is a common understanding on how work is done and when results can be expected.
• Resolve conflicting interests early on. This can normally be achieved by understanding the assumptions behind a position and resolving them in relation to agreed objectives.

Forbytes supplies client dedicated software teams to work with companies on a long term basis. Our teams use well established processes to deliver results so you can verify that you are getting what you need. 

If you would like to discuss how to implement effective communications, feel free to contact me at don.lowe@forbytes.com.