Thursday, October 4, 2018
Keeping a Bid Moving When Collaboration Tools Fail
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Updated September 2026: in 2018 I wrote about weekend bid work when Skype on my office laptop failed, telling the delivery expert I could be reached by phone, and switching to WebEx when we needed to share screens. I have rewritten it into advice on keeping a bid moving when collaboration tools fail.
During weekend support for a bid, Skype for Business would not work on my office laptop. I used a workaround on my personal laptop, but I told the delivery expert only that I had Skype sign-in problems and could be reached on mobile for anything urgent. He was fine with that and gave me work to finish within a few hours, which I did and sent for review. Then we needed to share screens to agree the solution's theme, which Skype could not do for me. The expert suggested we meet on WebEx instead, and it worked.
What should you tell colleagues when tools fail?
The plain facts: what is not working and how to reach you. Honesty is simpler than a cover story, and colleagues are usually as practical as my delivery expert was.
What are the alternatives for screen sharing?
- Another approved meeting tool: such as the one the other team uses.
- Sharing the file: both people open the same version and talk it through by phone.
- Screenshots in mail: for quick reviews of a few slides.
Should you use unapproved tools or devices?
Only within your company's security policy. Some employers allow web versions of their tools on any device; others do not. When unsure, ask IT or use the phone.
How do you keep weekend work efficient?
Agree the task and deadline in one message, finish it, send it with a short note, and schedule any review for a set time. That is what made this weekend manageable.
What did I take from it?
That the work matters more than the channel. A phone call and an open file can carry a bid when the usual tools do not.
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