🔍 The 3 Cs of Great Workplace Communication

1. Clarity

🔹 Say what you mean—no guessing games.

🔹 Avoid jargon, vague phrases, or “soft talk” like “maybe,” “just wondering,” or “you probably should…”

Example:
Instead of: “Hey, can we maybe touch base about the thing later?”
Try: “Can we meet at 2:00 PM to discuss the pricing sheet for the new client?”

2. Consistency

🔹 Keep your message steady — across platforms (email, meetings, Slack) and team members.

🔹 Avoid the trap of saying one thing to one person and something else to another.

Example:
If deadlines shift, make sure everyone hears the same update, not five different versions.

3. Courtesy

🔹 Be professional and kind. Tone matters!

🔹 Even when you’re busy or frustrated, respectful language keeps the door open for collaboration.

Example:
Instead of: “You didn’t give me what I needed.”
Try: “I’m still missing the report — could you send that my way today?”

💥 Examples of Communication Fails

🔹 Vague Requests: “Hey, can you send me that thing?” (What thing? When?)

🔹 Passive Aggression: “Sure, I’ll just do everything myself — again.”

🔹 Wall-of-Text Emails: Unstructured, unclear, and anxiety-inducing

🔹 Reply-All Chaos: Sending sensitive or irrelevant info to everyone

👥 Team Challenge: Message Makeover

Prompt: Here’s a poorly written internal message:

“Hey, I really need you to get your part of the project done asap. You were supposed to have it already and I can’t keep covering for you.”

Task: In small groups or pairs, rewrite the message using the 3 Cs. Focus on:

🔹 Being direct but respectful

🔹 Including details and a timeline

🔹 Using a tone that encourages teamwork

Example Rewrite:

“Hey Sam, I noticed the presentation slides aren’t done yet. Can you have your section finalized by 3 PM today? Let me know if you need help getting it wrapped up.”

🎯 Key Takeaway:

🔹 Good communication doesn’t just “happen”—it’s built with intention.
Clarity, consistency, and courtesy are small habits that create massive results over time.

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