Interview I 10 golden rules for managing international projects

Defining Clear Objectives

Nicolas, you’ve led several international projects during your time at VISEO. What are the key principles to managing these successfully, especially when dealing with different teams across borders?

Nicolas Nesme: Managing international projects can indeed be challenging, but also highly rewarding when done right. The first thing to emphasize is the importance of establishing clear objectives. When everyone understands the project’s goals and desired outcomes, it aligns the team and stakeholders, setting the stage for a smooth collaboration. Having a clear vision from the start helps manage expectations throughout the lifecycle of the project.

Ensuring Effective Communication

That makes sense. How do you ensure communication flows effectively, especially when team members are scattered across different time zones and regions?

Nicolas Nesme: Communication is critical in international projects. I always stress the need to establish effective communication channels early on. It’s not just about having the right tools, like video conferencing or project management platforms, but also about being mindful of cultural nuances. Different cultures communicate differently, and understanding this can help avoid misunderstandings. Regular updates and check-ins, considering time zone differences, are a must to keep the team synchronized.

The Importance of Cross-Cultural Competence

You mentioned cultural nuances. How important is cross-cultural understanding in international projects?

Nicolas Nesme: It’s incredibly important. Developing cross-cultural competence is fundamental to fostering trust and promoting collaboration. You need to understand and respect different ways of working, from decision-making processes to how feedback is given. Building a strong cultural awareness is not just about avoiding conflict—it’s about leveraging the diversity of thought to enrich the project.

Effective Project Management

That’s a great point. What about the actual management of the project? How do you deal with the complexity of managing an international team?

Nicolas Nesme: Strong project management is absolutely key. This means defining the project scope, setting realistic timelines, and managing risks. An experienced project manager who is familiar with the complexities of international projects can make all the difference. It’s not just about staying on schedule—it’s about having a robust plan that accommodates different working styles, time zones, and even unexpected changes.

Engaging Stakeholders

How do you keep stakeholders engaged, especially when they might be spread across multiple countries?

Nicolas Nesme: Stakeholder engagement is crucial for international projects. I always advocate for involving key stakeholders in decision-making from the beginning. Providing regular updates and addressing concerns early on helps keep everyone aligned. It’s about ensuring that they feel involved and their expectations are managed throughout the process.

Optimizing Resource Allocation

Resource allocation can be a challenge in international projects. What’s your approach to making sure resources are used effectively?

Nicolas Nesme: Optimizing resource allocation means being strategic about who is assigned to what tasks, considering not only expertise but also cultural factors and availability. Training and support are also key—sometimes team members might need extra resources or training to adapt to new challenges, and it’s important to provide that when needed.

Managing Risks in International Projects

Risk management is another major concern for international projects. How do you handle the risks that come with working across different countries?

Nicolas Nesme: International projects face unique risks, from language barriers to legal and regulatory challenges. Identifying these risks early and developing mitigation strategies is essential. For example, having legal advisors familiar with the regulations in each country can save a lot of trouble down the line. Proactive risk management can prevent minor issues from becoming major roadblocks.

Flexibility and Adaptability Are Key

What would you say are the most important personal qualities or team qualities for successful international project management?

Nicolas Nesme: Flexibility and adaptability are non-negotiable. International projects often come with unforeseen challenges, and being able to pivot quickly is crucial. Project teams should be prepared to adjust their approach as needed. It’s not just about reacting to problems but staying ahead of them.

Promoting Knowledge Sharing and Learning

In addition to flexibility, how do you encourage collaboration and innovation among your teams?

Nicolas Nesme: I always promote knowledge sharing and learning across teams. When you have a global team, you’re bringing together a wealth of different experiences and perspectives. Encouraging open communication and sharing best practices helps foster innovation and streamline processes. It’s also a great way to keep teams motivated.

Continuous Evaluation and Improvement

Finally, how do you ensure that the project continues to improve, even after it’s completed?

Nicolas Nesme: Continuous evaluation is key. We conduct lessons-learned sessions to capture insights and best practices for future projects. It’s not just about reflecting on what went well but identifying areas for improvement. This ongoing process helps us refine our approach and make each project better than the last.

Thank you, Nicolas, for sharing these valuable insights. It’s clear that successful international project management requires not only a strategic approach but also an understanding of the human and cultural aspects of collaboration.

Nicolas Nesme: Absolutely. At the end of the day, international projects succeed when you create an environment of trust, understanding, and open communication. It’s like any strong relationship—it thrives on empathy, respect, and shared goals.