Unstructured

Some of the most important project communication takes place through casual conversations at coffee machines, in corridors, and parking lots. Successful project leaders make an effort to encourage frequent, unstructured conversations, both with and between team members. “Soft data” and valuable project information often surfaces during unplanned exchanges.

Even with global teams, where you are seldom able to talk with people in person, there may be opportunities to do it once in a while; always take full advantage of face-to-face opportunities to enhance relationships. Use the telephone when you are at a distance. Call team members regularly, even when there may be no pressing project business, to ask how they are doing.

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