Keeping communication channels open is an integral part of the feedback sessions that I have written about earlier. It is common that not all feedbacks get replies or action is taken. There may be areas where required action is pending and hence the freelancer is unable to carry on with his work.
There are always cases pending for action, in a project. These need tracking and communication regarding this has to go forth to concerned authorities, to enable closure of such cases. Communications on these may prove to be of good use while we rush through the daily commitments.
Communication channels are useful when people procrastinate over small issues which otherwise are sorted out faster. Open communication channels allow you to raise issues at work to people in the line of command to resolve issues. Resorting to such open communication helps increase efficiency at work.
Where the answers to questions and feedback are insufficient, one may resort to other modes of communication, for information, along the line of reporting. If a person you are in contact with is not able to provide sufficient information, you may approach another person who could provide more information on the topic concerned.
Where the information is unclear, and the freelancer is unable to make sense of the information, it is only right to ask for more clarity. This happens only through open channels of communication. So if your regular contact is not aware of means to provide any more clarity, than already available, you may approach another source and so on.
Proper steps on approaching an issue forms after proper communication on the nature of the issue happens. Each step that needs attention will have a definite number of processes that needs completion. A freelancer is able to do it only after consulting appropriate sources through communication channels provided.
Probing is an art of asking for information and expectations. A person with good communication skill can easily probe and get the information required. Even while going through the initial stage of the project a person, with good skills, can probe and understand the situation he is in very quickly. But probing is possible only with easier accessible channels for communication.
Where there are issues of online access to portals, to access information of the company, the view that a freelancer gets may differ from that of a regular employee. As such, information displayed will be limited and hence feedback communication has to go to get the issue resolved and the proper content made available.
Hiccups in technology used almost certainly crops up in freelancing. If there is more than one person involved in the project, the time and availability of technology available to each may vary. Hence, it is important to have everyone on the same level of understanding, for the project to function properly and for knowledge sharing and communication. Where this is not happening, communication channels should open up to make this happen.
Errors in the work outline may pop up when knowledge sharing is completed. So the initial drafts may require reworking, to suit the need of the client and for the final output to clearly emerge. What is critical here is to have a good communication marathon to happening in order to assess the short falls and to have the project going in full swing.
Error in the processes and templates can gain attention only when communication is open. Errors in the process templates and development template pop out while we are at work. These need immediate attention and hence a communication channel for immediate access is required at times.
To sum it up, it is mandatory that any employer or organization outsourcing their work has a good method or process in place for communication. They may use various available methods to effectively get their freelancers to talk to them and gain their respect as well. This will pave way for better working relationship and greater output at work.
