Communication Methods

Correct Answer: Train the team member to effectively use the new communication tool.

The most effective solution for this scenario is to train the team member on how to use the new communication tool. This ensures that the team member not only catches up with the rest of the team but also gains a useful skillset for future project workflows which may involve this tool. Switching to a more familiar communication tool may not be the best solution as it may not have the desired capabilities for the project; therefore, training on the new tool is more necessary. Asking the team member to cope up with the new tool doesn’t provide a clear solution nor does it address the training that might be required. Instructing the other team members to update him through old communication tactics might cause confusion, fragment communication, and is not a sustainable solution.

Correct Answer: Clearly written job descriptions and communication via project management tools

The best answer to tackle miscommunication and unclear task expectations is 'Clearly written job descriptions and communication via project management tools'. This answer is the most fitting as it ensures that the expectations are titled out clearly in writing for each team member via a structured and centralized tool, in this case, the project management tool. This leaves no room for doubts and makes sure everyone is on the same page. The option of 'Daily face-to-face stand-up meetings only' might lead to misunderstanding as oral communication can sometimes be unclear and forgotten soon after. 'Group emails to everyone detailing all tasks' could overwhelm team members with excess information that might not be relevant to them, which could lead to missed or misunderstood task expectations. And 'Relaying information verbally to each team member' is not a productive way of communication and might lead to inconsistency and misinterpretation.

Correct Answer: Written communication

In a project where maintaining an accurate record of each communication is crucial especially due to legal implications, written communication remains the most suitable method. This is because it allows for the documentation, tracking, and referencing of information and circumstantial nuances at any point in the future. Verbal communication, although possibly faster and efficient in a small, co-located team, lacks the ability to provide a valid and reliable record, thus making it unsuitable in this context. Non-verbal communication like facial expressions, gestures, and body languages are also hard to document and could potentially lead to misunderstandings and misconceptions. Visual communication, such as diagrams, charts, etc., are also unsuitable as they may not fully capture all the details of a communication and could also lead to misinterpretations. Therefore, the best answer is 'Written communication'.