Communication Doesn't Have to Be Difficult or Complicated

The intricacies of communication are vast. How do we convey our thoughts? Where is the ideal platform? Why do we choose one method over another? When is the right time? Should we opt for long-form asynchronous communication, real-time chats, face-to-face meetings, video calls, verbal exchanges, written messages, or emails? How can we ensure everyone stays informed without getting bogged down in the minutiae of everyone else's tasks? Dive into these considerations and more right here.

The philosophy 

Over the course of our journey, we've developed a set of guidelines that shape the way we communicate with one another. These aren't hard and fast rules that we're bound to; we've never been proponents of rigid structures. Instead, these guidelines serve as a flexible framework, offering a foundation that we can adapt and build upon to ensure effective communication.

We cannot not communicate

Communication is an indispensable aspect of our interactions. Even when we choose silence, it speaks volumes. In most scenarios, we find the need to converse, to exchange ideas, and to connect.

Just like every other element in Scrappy, it's essential to begin somewhere, put our methods to the test, learn from the outcomes, and continuously adapt to ensure we're fostering clear and effective communication.

Communication does not have a shape

No matter the reason behind your communication—whether it's to provide clarity, seek understanding, request assistance, or share updates—the method isn't our primary concern. What truly matters is that your intended goal is met. While we lean towards asynchronous communication because of its non-intrusive nature, we recognize that real-time interactions are sometimes essential. However, we only resort to meetings when we're convinced that a lengthy message won't suffice to convey the message effectively.

Written communication is eternal

Our default mode is to avoid meetings. Instead, our instinct is to communicate through written messages. This approach is not only less intrusive but also aids in organizing our thoughts more coherently. Additionally, it leaves an automatic record for everyone involved, including those who might join our team in the future. Written communication also provides everyone with the opportunity to reflect and formulate their responses thoughtfully. Resorting to setting up a meeting is considered our last option, only to be used when other methods fall short.

Words matter

Written communication, by its nature, can often come across as impersonal and detached. If there's room for ambiguity in your words, they'll likely be interpreted in the most detrimental way possible.

If you find yourself having to reiterate, it's a sign that your initial message wasn't clear enough.

Effective communication can pave the way for smoother operations and better understanding, while poor communication can lead to wasted time and unnecessary expenses. It's essential to be mindful of how we convey our thoughts in writing.

Communication is slow

Engaging in meaningful discussions requires patience, allowing ideas and thoughts to evolve over time. 

Hastily made decisions and impulsive responses often result in suboptimal outcomes. We don't expect instant replies unless we're dealing with an emergency. In such cases, it's crucial to utilize designated emergency channels. 

Remember, most brilliant ideas aren't bound by time constraints. It's beneficial to let them marinate and mature before eagerly presenting them.

 If you're ever uncertain, it's always wise to take a step back, reflect, and perhaps even sleep on it before proceeding.

Answers require questions

Individuals often have a wealth of thoughts and insights, yet they might hold back from sharing them spontaneously especially after delving into challenging topics or conveying unfavorable news, wrapping up with questions can be a strategic move.

 It prevents those uncomfortable silences that might seem insignificant but can harbor underlying issues or long-term repercussions if left unaddressed.

Skip intermediaries

When there's something crucial you need to convey, it's always best to take the initiative and communicate it personally. 

The process of communication, especially when it's verbal, can be likened to a game of 'telephone'—each relay or intermediary step introduces potential distortions and diminishes the original message's clarity. 

Every instance of hearsay adds layers of noise, reducing the message's accuracy. To maintain the integrity of your message and ensure it's received as intended, always aim to communicate directly with the intended recipient whenever feasible.

Communication is a team effort

Carrying the weight of team communication isn't a task for just one individual; it's a collective responsibility. Every team member should actively participate to ensure clarity and that no detail is overlooked. If you're uncertain about something, don't hesitate to seek assistance. Check if there were topics others anticipated discussing, or if they have lingering questions or uncertainties. Effective communication is about bridging the divides and addressing the unknowns. To truly fill in those gaps, it's essential for everyone to contribute their insights and perspectives.

The method

In this segment, we delve deeper into tangible examples that showcase how we seamlessly integrate our core philosophy into our daily interactions and operations within the team. 

We recognize that while communication is essential, it can sometimes disrupt the flow of work. As such, we place immense value on respecting each other's time and ensuring that our interactions are meaningful and purposeful. It's crucial to keep everyone informed and aligned, but inundating them with every minute detail can be counterproductive and distracting. 

To strike the right balance, we've curated specific methods that ensure pertinent information is shared accurately, timely, and in the most appropriate setting.

Tools

The majority of our interactions and exchanges take place within our designated communication platforms, be it Slack, Teams, or other similar tools. This encompasses everything from company-wide dialogues, casual banter, project-specific discussions, brainstorming sessions, internal deliberations, updates on various fronts, policy revisions, light-hearted jests, to official proclamations and announcements.

Having a unified tool for communication ensures consistency and provides a singular reference point for everyone on the team. Internally, we seldom resort to emails, and face-to-face meetings are a rarity. 

However, for those occasional discussions that require a more personal touch, we leverage video conferencing tools like Zoom or Meet, typically involving small groups of two or three individuals.

Daily

Each day, promptly at 9:15, we convene for our daily check-in, discussing the tasks we tackled the previous day. While this could easily be substituted with a written message, which might even heighten accountability, we value beginning our day with genuine human connection. It's not just about work; it's also a chance for a bit of casual conversation and an open platform for anyone who might have insights or updates to share.

And a small note: our cameras are always switched on!

Share something every day

We're firm believers in making a positive impact daily, no matter how minor it might seem. It's essential for everyone to contribute and share at least one insight or update on our channels each day.

Every Monday

Each week, we set a clear objective for ourselves, pinpointing exactly what we aim to accomplish. At this stage, we aren't diving deep into the nitty-gritty tasks or intricate details. Instead, we maintain a broader perspective, focusing on the core functionalities and features we envision for our app or game. 

By week's end, the integration of these elements will be our benchmark for determining whether we've had a successful week.

Every wednesday

Every week, we dedicate an hour to what we fondly call our 'playtime session'. During this time, we immerse ourselves in our prototypes, no matter how raw or unfinished they might be. We play, converse, and exchange feedback in a relaxed environment. The primary objective of these sessions isn't just to critique but to see if our discussions can ignite fresh ideas or concepts that we feel have the potential to be pursued further. It's a collaborative space where creativity meets constructive feedback.

Every friday

Every week, we carve out an hour in the afternoon specifically for casual chats. This isn't about work or projects; it's simply a time for us to hang out and discuss life, current events, and whatever else is on our minds. Admittedly, the initial sessions felt a bit awkward. We're all accustomed to such casual gatherings taking place in cafes or bars, not on a Zoom call. However, as the weeks went by, we grew more comfortable with the format. Now, it's a cherished part of our routine that we genuinely look forward to!

Every 6 weeks

At the end of each period, we take a moment to reflect and summarize our achievements and outcomes. We discuss what we managed to accomplish, the aspects that went smoothly, and the areas where we faced challenges. It's also a time for us to consider if there are any tweaks or adjustments we need to make to our existing processes. 

We believe in brevity and clarity, so we keep this discussion concise and to the point. 

The outcome of this session is a clear, bullet-pointed list of actionable steps that we need to undertake moving forward.

Every quarter, every year

These discussions are akin to the ones mentioned earlier but operate at a higher altitude. Here, we delve into our overarching performance and assess if we're steering in the right direction to meet our long-term objectives.

Adhoc discussions

Throughout our journey, there are numerous conversations that don't adhere to a fixed calendar schedule but arise organically, prompted by the ebb and flow of our operations. These discussions might be sparked when we're on the cusp of launching a new project, when there's a significant announcement to be made, or when we undergo a substantial shift within the company or among the team members. These moments, though not routine, are pivotal and warrant dedicated time and attention.

The insights I offer here are shaped by my years in the field, making them inherently subjective and influenced by my experiences. My views may evolve over time, and I'm open to that change. I'd greatly appreciate your feedback, thoughts, and questions to further refine my understanding. Please don't hesitate to connect.