Communication Enables Execution
How teams communicate determines how effectively they work. The right tools remove friction.
Slack
Channels organize conversations by topic. Direct messages for private discussions. Integrations bring data into flow. Search makes information findable.
Microsoft Teams
Deep Office 365 integration. Video meetings with robust features. File collaboration in context. External guest access for partners.
Discord
Originally for gamers, now for communities. Voice channels for casual presence. Threading keeps discussions organized. Free tier is generous.
Zoom
Video meetings that just work. Webinars for large audiences. Phone system integration. Recording and transcription.
Email Alternatives
Asynchronous video with Loom. Project-specific discussions in Notion. Documentation as communication.
Reducing Noise
Channel guidelines set expectations. Status updates indicate availability. Thread replies keep channels tidy. Muting reduces distractions.
Meeting Culture
Default to async when possible. Agenda requirements for meetings. Recording for those who cannot attend. Action item follow-up.
Documentation
Decisions documented for reference. Knowledge bases capture information. Wiki-style updates keep current. Search enables discovery.
Security Considerations
Data residency requirements. Encryption for sensitive communications. Retention policies. Access controls and guest management.
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