Chapter 53. Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore
CURRENT DISCUSSIONS AMONG SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS tend to revolve around the best programming language, systems architecture, operating platform, or project methodology. No one seems to notice that one of our team members, Alice, doesn't live here anymore. Where does Alice live now, and how will it affect our software development plans?
She may live in India, where English is often trained phonetically, perhaps by a script. Plan to allow extra time, or use written exchanges, to give Alice the best chance to perform her part of the development, undaunted by the language barrier.
Alice may live in Africa. With a smaller pool of technical talent, people may be more important than projects to her employer. Technology may be limited, so don't assume 24-hour email, phone, and Internet connectivity.
Perhaps Alice has a wonderful job in a developing country. If she doesn't respond right away on conference calls, she may be experiencing a 30-second satellite delay between when you talk and when she hears your words. You'll get the same gap with her answers or comments.
School yourself in the decision-making differences you may encounter with team members from Japan. Anticipate more respect for age and experience. Alice's youth may make it inappropriate or offensive for her to speak up. Japanese team members may also expect group ...
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