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Also known as: async communication, async, async-first

Asynchronous Communication

ConceptualOperations

Definition

Asynchronous Communication: Asynchronous communication is messaging that doesn't require immediate response—enabling work across time zones and protecting focus time. Async-first cultures default to written, searchable communication (docs, Slack threads, Loom videos) over synchronous meetings. This requires clear expectations about response times and decision documentation.

Example Usage

“We moved most meetings to async: Loom updates instead of status meetings, collaborative docs instead of brainstorms, and strict response time expectations.”

Common Misconceptions

Async means slow. Well-designed async can be faster than scheduling meetings across time zones.
Everything should be async. Some conversations need real-time interaction; know when to escalate.
Async is just email. Modern async includes video messages, collaborative docs, and threaded discussions.

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