101 Project Management Problems and How to Solve Them

44. How should I manage informal communications and “management by wandering around” on a virtual, geographically distributed team?

Informal communications with distant contributors can be a challenge, and it is more complicated than with nearby team members who are close enough to wander over and speak with. It requires planning and discipline to do well but yields substantial benefits.

Combining Formal and Informal Interactions

Your routine formal communications with remote contributors—team meetings, one-on-one telephone calls, and other periodic interactions—offer a number of openings for effective informal communications. Use small amounts of time at the start or end of team meetings to invite people to share a little about what they are ...