💬 Key Concept: Communication Norms Shape Culture
Every team has unspoken rules about how people communicate. The problem? Unspoken rules get broken — and fast.
Examples of team communication norms:
✳️ “Slack messages are expected to be answered within the hour.”
✳️ “We don’t email after 6 PM unless it’s urgent.”
✳️ “Start every meeting with a one-minute update round.”
✳️ “Feedback goes to the person directly, not through others.”
Activity Prompt: Ask the group:
🗣️ “What are some unspoken rules your team follows — or breaks?”
📱 Tools & Traps: Communication Channels in Teams
Meetings
✳️ Pros: Great for nuance, emotional tone, and decisions
✳️ Traps: Too many, too long, or no clear outcome
Emails
✳️ Pros: Good for details and documentation
✳️ Traps: Too formal for quick feedback or collaboration
Messaging apps (Slack, Teams, etc.)
✳️ Pros: Fast, casual, collaborative
✳️ Traps: Misinterpretation, overload, no boundaries
👉 Ask the team: “Which channel do you overuse? Underuse?”
⚙️ Team Practice: Set Expectations and Boundaries
Boundaries in communication aren’t about being rigid — they’re about being respectful of people’s time, energy, and roles.
Examples of setting expectations:
✳️ “Please give at least 24 hours’ notice for non-urgent requests.”
✳️ “Can we agree that weekends are off-limits for work messaging?”
✳️ “Let’s clarify how often we want check-ins on this project.”
Prompt:
🧠 “What’s one communication boundary that would make your day less chaotic?”
📋 Mini Project: Create a Team Communication Agreement
Instructions:
As a group (or in small breakout teams):
-
Brainstorm 5–7 “rules of engagement” for how your team communicates
-
Keep them clear, collaborative, and easy to follow
-
Post them in your shared workspace — make them visible
Example Agreement:
✅ Keep meetings under 45 minutes with clear agendas
✅ Use Slack for quick questions, email for formal updates
✅ Don’t assume tone — ask before reacting
✅ Give feedback directly, kindly, and fast
✅ Respect boundaries: off-hours are off-limits unless urgent
Optional: Have each team member sign or commit to the agreement publicly to reinforce accountability and shared ownership.
🎯 Takeaway:
Great teams don’t just work together — they communicate with clarity, consistency, and care.
A team that talks well… works well.