Onshore Offshore Relationships

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In the era of Information Technology where people work round the clock and round the globe, it is evident that people from various corners of the world share the SWEET relation of Onshore and Offshore teams.

Like any other relation, this also requires a few ingredients to maintain a healthy compatibility. We have seen and heard various issues which the onshore and offshore teams face while execution of the project tasks.

Some of the most common issues are — Unclear expectations/Misalignment of goals, lack of trust, miscommunication, Impact on Productivity, Difficulty in keeping the motivation alive

Here are 5 primary ingredients that require to make the Hybrid model of Onsite Offshore successful:

1. Honesty

We always say, “Honesty is the best policy”; and certainly it is. This is the primary ingredient towards any relationship! The teams should be honest come what may!

Being honest is the easiest thing and should be a way of life. Working in an MNC and talking with vendors or clients who are working at a remote location, it is always the best practice to be honest about everything that is presented, shared or communicated.

2. Transparency

Dalai Lama said, “A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.”

Being transparent helps teams to know the goods and the hardships. In addition to the best practices and processes followed within a team’s structure, it is important for the team to know each individual personally. Transparency helps in minimizing the bridge among the team members.

3. Respect

Give respect to get respect! Simple, Isn’t it?

Mutual respect is necessary for proper functioning of a team. As the onshore and offshore team works towards a common objective, it is immensely necessary to respect each other in terms of the work delivered, time invested, feedback, suggestions, recommendations, etc. Not only it helps in gathering additional ideas to think upon, it also catalyzes the humane factor in this technological world.

4. Connection

It is important to let the Offshore team connected with the Product, the Organization and the Business. The offshore team feels great when the vision & mission are clearly shared and their contribution is appreciated. It is extremely important for the offshore team to feel connected with the business goals.

The onshore team has to make sure that each piece of information is shared and their impact on the business goals, timelines, strategies, etc. The feeling of ownership can help facilitate a healthy connection between the onshore and offshore team.

5. Motivation

Self motivation comes from within and is not very common. But, it is highly affected by the external circumstances.

Thus, to keep the enthusiasm alive, there should be new goals and challenges set which the onshore and offshore team can collaboratively solve and achieve. Two way acknowledgement and appreciation helps in creating a bond between the team. This keeps the motivation and the momentum alive.

“Communication” is the key factor that secures a proportionate mix of all the ingredients.

Offshore and Onshore relation is analogous to any long distance relationship. Both the parties should understand the cultural values and the practical nuances for a better collaboration and smoother execution of any deliverable. Apart from delivery of work, it is also important to give people an opportunity to learn. This would further propagate the importance of sharing and learning which would ultimately result into further productivity.

Cheers to all teams!