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GitStart's Documentation

Communication and Team Collaboration Guide

This guide explains how to establish effective communication channels with your GitStart team and outlines the collaboration workflow.

Communication Channels

Effective communication is essential for successful collaboration with GitStart. We offer several communication options to suit your team’s preferences.

Setting Up Communication Channels

Slack Integration (Standard Option)

  1. For Existing Slack Users

    • Navigate to the “Communication” tab in the GitStart dashboard
    • Select “Connect with Slack”
    • Authorize the GitStart app in your Slack workspace
    • Choose the channel where you want GitStart updates and communication

  2. For Teams Without Slack

    • We’ll send you a guest invitation to join the GitStart Workspace
    • No payment is required for this option
    • You’ll have access to a dedicated channel for your project

Microsoft Teams or Google Chat (Annual Contracts)

For clients with annual contracts, we also support:

  • Microsoft Teams integration
  • Google Chat integration

Contact your Client Experience Manager to set up these alternative platforms.

Communication Channel Best Practices

Your shared communication channel facilitates:

  • Daily standups and regular updates
  • PR cost reviews and approvals
  • Resolution of onboarding blockers
  • Real-time feedback and day-to-day interactions

Tip: Pin important documents, links to dashboards, and key contacts in your communication channel for easy reference.

Your GitStart Team

After completing the initial setup, we’ll schedule a 45-minute onboarding call to kickstart the collaboration.

Team Structure

Your dedicated GitStart team typically includes:

  1. Technical Project Manager (TPM)

    • Your main point of contact for day-to-day operations
    • Manages sprint planning and ticket prioritization
    • Coordinates developer resources and capacity
    • Oversees delivery quality and timelines

  2. Solution Architect

    • Provides technical guidance and architectural decisions
    • Helps optimize development workflows
    • Assists with complex technical challenges
    • Ensures best practices are followed

  3. Client Experience Manager

    • Focuses on your overall satisfaction and success
    • Conducts regular review meetings
    • Addresses any concerns or escalations
    • Helps align GitStart with your business objectives

  4. Development Team

    • Skilled developers assigned to your project
    • Work on assigned tickets according to agreed priorities
    • Communicate progress and challenges through established channels

Regular Meetings and Ceremonies

We establish a regular cadence of meetings to ensure alignment:

  1. Bi-Weekly Sprint Planning/Grooming

    • Led by your Technical Project Manager
    • Reviews progress from the previous sprint
    • Clarifies requirements for upcoming work
    • Prioritizes tickets for the next sprint
    • Addresses any blockers or technical challenges

  2. Monthly Feedback Reviews

    • Led by your Client Experience Manager
    • Reviews overall performance and metrics
    • Discusses what’s working well and areas for improvement
    • Aligns on strategic initiatives and future plans
    • Explores ways to optimize the collaboration

Workflow Best Practices

Effective Communication Tips

  1. Be Specific in Requests

    • Clearly articulate requirements and expectations
    • Use screenshots or screen recordings when applicable
    • Reference specific code examples when relevant

  2. Provide Timely Feedback

    • Review PRs promptly to maintain momentum
    • Give constructive, actionable feedback
    • Acknowledge receipt of messages even if full response will come later

  3. Use Thread Discussions

    • Keep related conversations in threads for better organization
    • This helps preserve context and reduces channel noise

Pull Request Reviews

We measure PR review cycles internally and aim to minimize iterations:

  1. Conduct Thorough Reviews

    • Perform comprehensive code and QA reviews
    • This helps keep review cycles to a minimum (we aim for fewer than 3)
    • Provide clear, specific feedback

  2. Manage Scope Changes

    • For follow-up work that increases scope, create a new ticket/PR
    • This keeps PRs focused and maintains clear delivery boundaries

Escalation Process

If you encounter issues that need attention:

  1. Daily Operations Issues

    • Communicate directly with your Technical Project Manager via the shared channel
    • For urgent matters, tag them directly or use the “@here” mention

  2. Strategic or Relationship Concerns

    • Contact your Client Experience Manager directly
    • They will ensure appropriate action is taken

  3. Unresolved Concerns

    • If issues persist, email support@gitstart.com
    • Include “Escalation” in the subject line for priority handling

Early escalation helps us manage issues effectively and implement improvements.

Next Steps

After reading this guide:

  1. Set up your preferred communication channel in the GitStart dashboard
  2. Prepare for your onboarding call with key stakeholders from your team
  3. Review the GitStart Usage Guide for best practices on creating tickets and managing workflow

Need Help?

For assistance with communication setup or team collaboration, contact your Client Experience Manager or email our support team at support@gitstart.com.