A Guide to Effective Communication with IT Development Teams

Successful collaboration with new IT development teams requires clear communication and a well-defined project foundation. Project Managers play a crucial role in conveying the project's vision, goals, scope, timeline, current status, and budget. This article provides a guideline on what to prepare before seeking an estimate.

Define the Vision

• Define: Begin by articulating your idea and sharing your thought process with the Software House. Describe the problem, identify missing elements, or introduce groundbreaking products and their solutions.

Project Essentials

• Brief: Offer a concise description of the project and its scope. Summarize the work to be accomplished.

• Specs: Focus on high-level technical requirements without delving too deep into the technicalities.

• Goals: Understand and define the company's objectives clearly. Create universally-agreed metrics that developers and the organization can grasp. Consider specific metrics like website visits, click-through rates, checkout rates, bounce rates, or revenue.

• Scope: Identify the project's scale, where it will be deployed, how, and who will be involved. Determine whether it's a mobile app, a PC-based program, or an embedded system. Define its functionalities and any requirements for accessories or wearables. Address data security concerns.

Time and Quality

• Time: Consider the time required to achieve project goals and the deadline's impact on the outcome. Understand that rapid development may compromise quality, while gradual development can enhance it. Recognize the implications of time constraints on the budget.

Current Status and Team Dynamics

• State of the Project: Share any existing information or prototypes you have. Communicate any challenges faced in previous attempts.

• Team Introduction: Meet the development team and ensure they comprehend the project's parameters. Effective communication, expectation management, and stakeholder coordination are vital.

Financial Considerations

• Budget: Understand your organization's financial boundaries and priorities. Keep these in mind when setting expectations and negotiating project terms.

Effective communication and thorough project definition are pivotal for achieving successful outcomes when collaborating with IT development teams. By following these guidelines, you lay a strong foundation for project success.