practical guide for project management across borders how to keep stakeholders engaged, break...
TRANSCRIPT
Practical Guide for Project Management Across BordersHow to keep stakeholders engaged, break through cultural barriers, and develop strong virtual teams
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Agenda
Introduction
Global Stakeholder Management
Tips for Navigating Different Cultures
Wrap Up
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Key Topics
Virtual Team Management
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Introduction
Background Originally from Louisiana
Started my career in Sales and Marketing for pro baseball
Moved to Argentina in 2012
Currently living in Bentonville with my fiance
Project Experience Came to Walmart Shared Services in 2009
Customer Liaison with Canada and Puerto Rico
Implemented workflow processes and systems in Mexico and Central America
Implementation of new technology in all Latin America
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Virtual Team Management
Building Your Team
Managing Performance
Communication and Collaboration Techniques
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Selecting Your Team
Team Competencies
Teams are normally assigned however there are times when you must hire or negotiate for your team members
Competency Traditional Virtual
Technical High High
Planning & Improvement High High
Communication& Influence High High
Adaptibility High High
Leadership Medium High
Problem Solving Medium High
Time Management Medium High
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Selecting Your Team Other Considerations
Availability
Personal and professional time contraints. Ability to travel.
Passion for the Project Goals
Look at the team members background to gain insight into their interests. Give them a clear vision of the project.
Have a productive mix of working styles. Avoid working in siloes.
Enjoy Working Together
..."It's your attitude, and not your aptitude, that determines your altitude“-Frank Broyles
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Achieving High PerformanceThere are a few techniques that can be used to increase virtual team engagement…
Team Mangagement Tips
Onboarding- There must be a well planned program.
Build Trust- Teams don’t focus if they don’t trust one another.
Team Building- It’s more than having drinks after work.
Motivation- Keep teams excited and focused on objectives.
Measuring progress- Share successes and recognize team members for their accomplishments.
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Communication and Collaboration Techniques
Face to Face Meetings
Personal Connection
Reduce Travel
Allow for Non Verbal Communication
Virtual Workspaces
Ease of use
Everyone needs access
Enforce updates
Respect Time and Language Differences
Adjust work schedule
Be aware of words you are using
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Global Stakeholder Management
Find your Stakeholders
Manage Expectations
Communication Technique
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Stakeholder Identification and Analysis
Use your whole team to identify your stakeholders in each region.
The first step is identifying your stakeholders and recognizing the influence thy have on your project
Assess how their goals align with your project and what you are trying to achieve.
Plan for preferred communication methods
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Manage Stakeholder Expectations
Have local champions
Align objectives with local organization
Offer language support
Involve stakeholders in planning
Be consistent with communication
Exceed expectations
Key Messages
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Communication TechniqueA major piece of project management is influencing and getting clear messages across
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Formal Meeting Informal MeetingReport EmailPhone Call
Key Messages
Over reliance on email can be ineffective
Get feedback on communications
Account for different languages
Know the local rules!
Keep it simple
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Breaking Through Cultural Barriers
Benefits of Cross Cultural Teams
Cultural Impacts on Project Management
Resources
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Benefits of Cross Cultural Teams
Create a team open to sharing new ideas and
driving innovation..
Multi Cultural teams can help keep you up to date on issues specific to the region you are working.
Unique experiences with dealing with risks and issues.
Adapt language and communication style to better meet customer needs.
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*United States Latin America
Independent Interdependent
Egaltarian Status
Risk Certainty
Direct Indirect
Task Relationship
Regional Profiles- Latin America ExampleConsider the affect of your management style on how different cultures approach situations
* Source: Globe Smart
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Techniques for Cross Cultural Management
Organization
Communication
Time
Keep leaders informed and pay attention to protocol Be more deferential to leaders and be careful openly challenging those
in authority. Be sure to ask often for feedback and personal opinions
Use more niceties in written and verbal communication. Ensure you have approvals before communicating to broader
organization More about the “how” than the “what” Use active listening skills
Plan for meetings and other activities to go over scheduled time. Plan for translation time.
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Things to remember when travelling
Travel
Allow time in itinerary for unexpected and plan time to relax
Know key phrases in target language
Network with your project stakeholders
Exhibit high amount of energy- It keeps local teams motivated
Enjoy the experience!
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Do You Have Any Questions?