In a distributed team, the importance of communication cannot be overstated. Working together over a distance has its downsides, its most significant a lack of information due to under-communication. That’s why we encourage you to over-share! That’s why we encourage you to over-share!

<aside> 💡 Try to over-communicate. We can filter your stuff, but we can’t read your mind.

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Communication modes

For us as a distributed team, the difference between synchronous communication (everyone takes part at the same time) and asynchronous communication (everyone adds to the conversation in their own time) is hugely important. Both modes have their pros and cons:

Synchronous mode:

• real-time discourse
• more conversational
• allows picking up nuances and body language
• non-native language might constrain verbalization
• encourages quick thinking
• less cautious
• requires higher internet bandwidth
• minimizes the “frustration of waiting”
• fleeting - points may get lost if not immediately picked up on or written down
• may require preparation

Asynchronous mode:

• allows “thinking time” for careful formulation of ideas; leading to better quality and greater depth
• might also lead to greater cautiousness
• more flexible, less constrained by schedules or timezones