Elite Operators need to be highly intentional about communication channel selection. Choosing correctly maximizes attention management, effectiveness, and efficiency. Choosing incorrectly can lead to wasted time, focus, and energy for you and others.
Using a modern Productivity Stack, the table below gives a detailed framework for selecting the right communication channels based on urgency level.
Done properly, the approach maximizes Deep Thinking Work Cycles and various collaboration levels relative to urgency and avoids typical interruptions leading to time and attention confetti.
A prevalent problem is overcoming the desire to pick a convenient channel that may be highly disruptive to the communication recipient and not congruent with a low urgency level.
Having an ‘Async First’ mindset helps determine the correct channel. An Asynchronous channel, like email, may get moved to a synchronous channel, like text or phone, as needed.
Additionally, the table contrasts Twist's leading Async First communication platform incorporating threaded conversations with alternatives like Slack or Microsoft Teams instant messaging.
Finally, this exploration should lead to you creating and publishing a ‘Communication Escalation Protocol’ so everyone on your team benefits.
We are not bots. Humans need flexibility, so we get a couple of Interruption Cards per day with our team if needed.
📢 When entire teams are aligned on proper communication channels, the team can focus more, be happier and outproduce those caught in incessant interruption cycles.
💡 Sorted by ‘Urgency Level’ and tagged with ‘Deep Thinking Disruption Level Impact,’ the table below can be resized by dragging columns to display all the content on the screen. You can also maximize screen space by closing the sidebar.
⚡ Each item is tagged with a ‘Treated As’ label, which helps frame the urgency level between Asynchronous and Synchronous channels. Expected response time is on the far right.
🕐 Estimated reading time: 15-25 minutes
Communication Channel Selection
Questions or comments? steve.kahle@exitthechaos.com
This content is part of the Productivity Accelerator.
Ⓒ 2023 Exit the Chaos. All Rights Reserved.